The Sun 12102021

INSIDE

TELLING IT AS IT IS Undi18: page Tourism activities page
Frenzy or only for fully
fizzle? 3 vaccinated 4

ON TUESDAY OCTOBER 12, 2021 TICKET RUSH ... Travellers queue for tickets at

Terminal Bersepadu Selatan in Kuala Lumpur yesterday
following the lifting of the ban on interstate travel.
– ADIB RAWI YAHYA/THESUN

No. 7881 PP 2644/12/2012 (031195) www.thesundaily.my

Handle with care
█ BY SHIVANI SUPRAMANI oHealthcare experts suggest ways to stay
[email protected] safe at workplace

PETALING JAYA: Workers will soon be “Employers must ensure the “In other workplaces, the decision on FASHION
returning to the office or factory floor air-conditioning system is properly serviced. self-testing should be made based on risk
as restrictions to curb the spread of One must also avoid messing around with a levels. LYFE
Covid-19 continue to be eased. centralised air-conditioning system by
However, health experts warn that caution opening windows as this may disrupt the air “Otherwise, it could be done only for P4-P5
is necessary and that means continued and flow and cause condensation, leading to workers who show symptoms or have
strict adherence to standard operating fungal growth.” been exposed to a Covid-19 patient,” he
procedures (SOP). added.
Hoe said rather than make self-screening
Apart from that, there are several steps that for Covid-19 mandatory, any decision to Universiti Malaya professor of
businesses can take to reduce the risks of require it should be based on the level of risk epidemiology and public health
workplace clusters developing. and the type of workplace. Dr Sanjay Rampal said vaccinated
individuals need not worry about
Universiti Malaya head of social and “The company should be given the their unvaccinated colleagues.
preventive medicine Dr Victor Hoe said an responsibility of making their own decision on
environment that is safe and conducive to this,” he said. “Rather, the unvaccinated
work as well as to receive customers and individuals should be more
visitors should be a priority. As a guide, the US Centres for Disease worried because they face a
Control and Prevention has recommended higher risk of severe
He said businesses could implement a that such tests be done weekly, taking into symptoms if they get
hybrid approach, allowing employees to consideration the incubation period of infected,” he said.
alternate between working from home and Covid-19.
working at the office to ensure there is Turn to
adequate space for social distancing. However, Hoe said this may not be feasible
for most workplaces. —
“Then, there should also be enough space
for staff to have their meals safely, given that He recommended that in workplaces page 3
most workplace transmissions happen during where employees have to remain in confined
mealtimes,” he told theSun. areas for a prolonged period, weekly or
fortnightly tests be conducted.
Hoe said good ventilation is also essential
to prevent the spread of not only Covid-19 but
other airborne contagious diseases as well,
such as influenza and measles.

2 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021 ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR ATTHE DEWAN RAKYAT
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
Anwar wants transparency
Full 4G coverage on use of Covid fund
expected by year-end
o ‘Spending of RM45 billion allocation not in line with deal “The RM45 billion is supposed to be a direct
THE 4G coverage target set to be achieved by signed between govt and Opposition’ injection for the poor but I see some money has
the end of the year under the National Digital been allocated for contracts and other things as
Network Plan (Jendela 1) will remain despite a KUALA LUMPUR: Opposition Leader Datuk transparent about how the money would be well.”
delay in commencement of the construction of Seri Anwar Ibrahim took a swipe at the used and this, he said, could only be done by
telecommunication towers. government yesterday over a RM45 billion providing details of all expenditure from the Anwar said the way the funds were allocated
allocation to fight the Covid-19 pandemic. fund. had deviated from the conditions in the
Communications and Multimedia Minister memorandum of understanding between the
Tan Sri Annuar Musa said the order to Apart from warning the government against He cited the case of the Malaysian Indian government and the Opposition.
commence physical work on towers will be misusing the funds, he also claimed that the use Transformation Unit (Mitra) as an example of
issued this month. of the money was not in line with a recent deal how funds had been misused. He said while he did not have any objection
signed between the government and the to the allocation, he wanted to stress the point
The tenders were issued in March but the Opposition. Mitra is a government agency set up to help that it is supposed to go to the poor, specifically
pandemic and subsequent movement the poor in the Indian community, but Anwar those in the B40 group.
restrictions made it impossible for physical Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul said none of the money had reached the
work to start. Abdul Aziz had earlier tabled the Temporary intended beneficiaries. When tabling the Bill for second reading
Measures for Government Financing earlier, Zafrul said that under the deal struck
Annuar told Ahmad Hassan (Warisan- (Coronavirus Disease 2019) Bill for debate. “There has also not been a satisfactory between the government and Pakatan Harapan,
Papar) that by the end of the year, 3G facilities explanation (on why the money has been used it was agreed that RM45 billion would be
will be halted to enable migration to the The Bill called for a RM45 billion allocation for other purposes instead).” allocated to protect livelihoods and help
4G-based service. for a Covid-19 Fund to enable the government affected families recover from the economic
to continue the fight against the virus. On the Covid-19 Fund, he claimed that there fallout caused by the pandemic.
He said the nation should achieve 96.7% has been some confusion over the allocation of
coverage for 4G service by then. To a Anwar demanded that the government be money. The Bill, which was eventually passed, will
supplementary question from Ahmad Johnie see the country’s maximum statutory debt
Zawawi (GPS-Igan), Annuar said that ceiling rise to 65% of the gross domestic
under Jendela 1, it is compulsory for product, from 60% previously.
telecommunication companies to provide
transmitters at every new tower built.

“Service providers are reminded that they
will be monitored to ensure that some of their
profits are used to provide the service in rural
areas.

“I have done some random checks and
found that there are places where telcos do not
provide the service as advertised. This is not
fair to consumers.” – Bernama

Second bid to
debate Pandora
Papers rejected

Noraini clarifying a point yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX THE Pandora Papers became a hot topic again
as Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim
83% of tertiary institution students fully vaccinated launched a second, and equally unsuccessful
attempt to start a debate on its revelations.
A total of 951,739 or 83% of the 1.15 million the second dose of the vaccine. “This is to ensure a safer environment on
students at institutions of higher learning have Students and university staff who have been campus when face-to-face teaching and Anwar had insisted that there should be a
been fully vaccinated against Covid-19 as of learning takes place. This is in line with debate on the contents of the papers but the
Oct 1. fully vaccinated will be given the option to standard operating procedures.” proposal was shot down by Speaker Datuk
return to campus in stages beginning Friday. Azhar Azizan Harun.
Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri She added stricter measures such as regular
Noraini Ahmad said another 2,286 students, Those who have yet to be vaccinated will swab and saliva tests will be carried out when Anwar then accused Azhar of acting as
accounting for 0.2% of the total enrolment, have have to continue attending online classes, she those who are unvaccinated or have yet to be “defence lawyer” for those named in the papers
not received the vaccine for health reasons as of said in response to a question from Syed fully vaccinated return to campus. but Azhar shot back by accusing Anwar of not
Oct 8. Ibrahim Syed Noh (PH-Ledang), who wanted to following the rules of parliamentary
know what conditions have been set for “In critical situations, if the physical proceedings.
Students and university staff who have not unvaccinated students wishing to return to presence of unvaccinated lecturers or students
been vaccinated will be monitored closely if campus. are unavoidable, then stricter monitoring will Anwar had earlier tried to move a motion to
they are required to be on campus. be put in place. Institutions of higher learning start a debate on the contents of the Pandora
Noraini said screening for Covid-19 will be are also encouraged to conduct regular Papers, specifically about the many Malaysian
Noraini said 117,721 university employees, mandatory for students and staff three days screening by using Covid-19 self-test kits.” leaders who had been cited for stashing large
or 90% of the total staff strength, have received before they return to campus. amounts of cash in offshore accounts.

He had made a similar attempt during last
Thursday’s sitting, but failed to get the topic on
the floor.

Yesterday, Azhar again refused to allow the
debate, leading Anwar to accuse the Speaker of
defending those who have been named in the
papers.

“I don’t understand why the Dewan Rakyat
Speaker chooses to be a defence lawyer for these
‘corrupt’ people.”

Several politicians, including Umno
president Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi,
were among those named in the papers. Also
named was Finance Minister Datuk Seri Tengku
Zafrul Abdul Aziz.

Anwar also claimed that he had the
documents to prove how a minister could stash
away stocks. “Where does that money come
from? From the sky? This means it’s from here
(Malaysia).”

He then stressed that what he wanted was for
the Pandora Papers to be presented and
debated. Anwar claimed that information
provided to him by his source showed far
beyond what has been reported in the media.

“That is why I want to bring this issue up for
debate.”

He said many of the cases involved big
names, ministers and the country’s leaders.

Cheaper flights soon to Sabah, Sarawak

FARES for flights to Sabah and peninsula will return to pre-Covid-19 to Sarawak dropped by 94% and that determined by a dynamic pricing Oct 2 revealed that the fares for flights
Sarawak will soon become more levels. to Sabah was down by 89%. mechanism and the concept of cross- between Kuala Lumpur and Kuching
affordable. subsidy, allowing gains from had dropped by 29% to 74%
Fares were raised when a flight Henry, who was responding to a profitable sectors to cover losses compared with fares in 2019.
Deputy Transport Minister Datuk capacity limit was imposed by the question from Lukanisman Awang incurred in non-profitable routes.
Henry Sum Agong said that with the Sarawak government as part of efforts Sauni (GPS-Sibuti) on the He said fares for the Kuala
lifting of travel restrictions, fares to address the Covid-19 crisis. government’s move to reduce fares, He said a survey by the Malaysian Lumpur-Miri and Kuala Lumpur-
between Sabah and Sarawak and the said that the prices of air tickets are Aviation Commission from Sept 26 to Sibu routes were still high. – Bernama
As a result, the frequency of flights

3theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021

NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

‘Non-fully vaccinated staff should be barred from workplace’

He advised those heading back to president Datuk Dr Syed Hussain prevent workplace clusters from infected by the few who chose not to In line with the government’s
the workplace to continue Syed Husman said he is certain developing,” he added. take the vaccine.” decision to make vaccination
observing existing SOP and that with an increase in the mandatory for civil servants, he said
mask up. vaccination rate, employers He said it is also a legal obligation Syed Hussain said employers private sector employers could do the
“We should reserve the From are ready for the return of of an employer to bar those who should also make it a priority to same.
their workers to the have not been vaccinated or are only ensure that all employees,
work-from-home policy for a front workplace. partially vaccinated from being at including migrant workers, are “With such a policy in place,
time when the healthcare page the workplace. vaccinated to protect their those who fail to get vaccinated can
customers and other employees face disciplinary action that may
system is overwhelmed,” he “Of course, the SOP imposed “The many employees who have and to avoid legal liabilities in case lead to termination of employment,”
said. by the National Security Council will been vaccinated should not be of workplace infections. he added.
Malaysian Employers Federation still have to be strictly observed to exposed to the risks of being

Undi18: Frenzy or fizzle? High level meeting
on Malacca crisis

o While a tsunami of young voters may shift the political “Muda” for its focus on the under 40s. MALACCA: The Umno supreme council will
paradigm, the direction they will choose is hard to predict The man behind the multi-racial party is hold a meeting on Thursday to discuss the
political crisis in Malacca, said its secretary-
█ BY ELLY FAZANIZA be allowed to vote. Muar MP Syed Saddiq Syed Abdul Rahman, general Datuk Seri Ahmad Maslan.
[email protected] In line with that decision, automatic voter who became the country’s youngest Cabinet
PETALING JAYA: Malaysia is on the cusp of a member ever when he was picked to head the “State Umno liaison committee chairman
new political reality. When those aged 18 to 21 registration has begun. Youth and Sports portfolio at age 25 in 2018. Datuk Seri Ab Rauf Yusof and Chief Minister
begin to cast their votes, the competition for Tharma said for a start, a permanent or Datuk Seri Sulaiman Md Ali will be
political supremacy is expected to be thrown Electoral watchdog group Bersih 2.0 presenting recommendations on what must
wide open. long-term grip on power by any party or chairman Thomas Fann agreed that political be done,” he said.
coalition would no longer be possible. parties can no longer ignore the young if they
However, their impact as power brokers wish to stay relevant. He cited Syed Saddiq “Of course, the president (Datuk Seri
remains unclear. While some see them as He expects all political parties to face the and several DAP elected representatives as Ahmad Zahid Hamidi) and deputy president
kingmakers, others believe there is little same risks and reap the same benefits with young leaders who will lead the charge. (Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan) as well as the
likelihood that they will make a big dent in the the entry of younger voters. Prime Minister (Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri
support for one party or another. “With those under 40 becoming the largest Yaakob) will also give their views on the
“No one will be ahead or behind in this.” bloc of voters, the pressure to win them over situation in Malacca,” he said after a meeting
Undi18 co-founder Tharma Pillai has no Tharma pointed out that by 2023, when the will be immense,” Fann said. with Malacca Umno liaison committee leaders
doubt that things would be very different. next general election is due, there will be 3.8 in Klebang on Sunday.
million new voters in addition to the 14.9 However, non-partisan youth-led initiative
“Young voters don’t think the same way (as million in the 14th general election in 2018. Ypolitics managing director Loh Kar Mun Malacca state assembly speaker Datuk Seri
their elders),” he told theSun. The majority of the new voters are holds a different view. Ab Rauf Yusoh had on Oct 5 reportedly said the
expected to be aged under 40. Yang di-Pertua Negri Tun Mohd Ali Rustam had
He said the idea that those in Kelantan will “They will be the kingmakers,” he said, She believes it is still unclear whether the decided to dissolve the state assembly on Oct 4,
vote for PAS, those in Pahang prefer Umno adding that there would also be a lot of prevailing negative perception of political thus paving way for a state election.
and those in Selangor will continue to support pressure on political parties to assemble a institutions will push the youth towards the
Pakatan Harapan may no longer be valid. younger team and field younger candidates to frontline or deter them from taking up the This came about after four state
gain support from a changing electorate. challenge. assemblymen – Datuk Seri Idris Haron (BN-
“The political dynamics will change. “Political parties would also be forced to Sungai Udang), Datuk Nor Azman Hassan (BN-
Factors such race and religion may continue seek diversity and greater (youth) Loh agreed that in the aftermath of the Pantai Kundor), Datuk Norhizam Hassan
to be a determining factor, but in a different representation.” Sheraton Move, several new youth Baktee (Independent-Pengkalan Batu) and
way than it did for the older voters.” He said this was reflected in the return of organisations have been formed to take up Datuk Noor Effandi Ahmad (Bersatu-Telok
Umno’s youth wing after a long hiatus and the broad policy issues. On the other hand, she Mas) – declared that they had lost confidence
The government recently announced that setting up of the Malaysian United said an equally strong following of young in Sulaiman and were withdrawing their
it will no longer pursue a reversal of a High Democratic Alliance, aptly abbreviated to people have also chosen to detach themselves support for him.
Court decision that those aged 18 to 21 should from politics.
The Barisan Nasional-led (BN) Malacca
“For them, the political culture has government had been represented by 17
become too overwhelming. Whether more assemblymen, comprising 14 from Umno, two
young people will engage in politics is yet to from Bersatu and one BN-friendly
be seen.” independent, while the Opposition held 11
seats, namely seven by DAP, and two each by
PKR and Amanah.

On the number of seats to be contested and
the candidates chosen, Ahmad said the matter
was being discussed and has not been
finalised yet. – Bernama

HOT ITEM ... UNHRC seat augurs
Large storage well for Malaysia
containers have
been selling out KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia has presented its
at many stores in candidature for the United Nations Human
the Klang Valley Rights Council (UNHRC) seat for the term 2022-
as residents 2024, with the election to be held on Thursday
prepare for a at the 76th Session of the UN general assembly.
three-day
scheduled water Social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye said a
supply disruption seat on the council would add prestige to
beginning Malaysia and put the country in a very good
tomorrow. position to advocate human rights issues.
– ASYRAF RASID
/THESUN Lee, who is founding member of The Human
Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam),
‘Transit housing’ for Klang Valley youth said Malaysia has made significant progress
since the establishment of Suhakam in 1999,
KUALA LUMPUR: The Housing and Local up the debate on the motion of thanks on the maintenance costs borne by the government. adding that the commission has been playing
Government Ministry plans to build 7,448 Yang di-Pertuan Agong’s royal address at We will study the rental rate with the Labuan an active and constructive role in upholding
units of Youth Transit Housing in an effort to Dewan Negara yesterday. Corporation,” he added. justice in cases of human rights violations.
help ease the burden of young people who
live in the Klang Valley. Ismail said although priority would be Ismail also said that according to the 2019 “By having Suhakam, it goes to show that we
given to those aged below 30, the government Household Income and Basic Amenities pay great attention to the question of human
Its Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Ismail would consider applications from individuals Survey that was conducted through the rights. It means that we are very concerned
Abdul Mutalib said of the total, 1,448 units aged above 30 if there were vacant units. multiple median affordability method, house about human rights issues.”
would be built in Mukim Batu, while the prices in Labuan were higher than the
remaining 6,000 units would be built in On the Batu Arang People’s Housing household income in the island. Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah
Rawang, Selangor. Project in Labuan, he said the project has last Friday said Malaysia wanted to be a
achieved 81% completion and was expected “This is due to the high construction costs, facilitator for conciliation, enabler for
“It is hoped that this would help youth to to be ready on Dec 11. including prices of building materials as well cooperation and builder of consensus as a
secure themselves financially before they can as transportation compared to the peninsula,” member of the UNHRC, and is ready to play its
afford their own home,” he said when winding “The rental for Batu Arang units has not he said. – Bernama role as a constructive partner and work closely
been finalised but it will take into account the with member states to advance the global
human rights agenda.

Institute of Strategic and International
Studies senior analyst Harris Zainul said as a
member of the UNHRC, Malaysia would be able
to share its views on how it can harmonise
human rights with “Asian values”.

“We can, and we must make clear that
human rights is not a ‘Western concept,’ but
rather something inalienable to all of
humanity,” he said. – Bernama

4 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

Osteoarthritis Tourism activities only
made worse
by lockdown allowed for fully vaccinated
PETALING JAYA: The Covid-19 pandemic
has had a deep impact on everyone, but for o Undergo Covid-19 screening before embarking on journey tourism sector was to restore tourists’
those suffering from osteoarthritis, it has and comply with SOP, says minister confidence on security level of a destination.
been especially debilitating.
PUTRAJAYA: Interstate travel for tourism as it would also ensure survival of the sector’s “The ministry will strive to ensure that the
A recent survey conducted among activities are subject to individuals who have workers, who were badly affected by the country’s tourism sector will continously
sufferers in China, South Korea, Thailand completed their Covid-19 vaccination, said pandemic. generate revenue, and it will formulate more
and Malaysia showed that the lockdown Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri aggressive and strategic promotional
necessary to curb the spread of Covid-19 Nancy Shukri. Ismail Sabri, at a special press conference on campaigns to boost the country’s tourism
has had a major psychological and physical Sunday, announced that starting from yesterday sector.”
impact on them. “Children under the age of 18 can travel with the government had agreed to allow fully
their parents or guardians who are fully vaccinated individuals to travel interstate Nancy said visitors who are keen to take part
Osteoarthritis is a rheumatic and vaccinated,” she said in a statement yesterday without having to obtain police permission. in tourism activities are encouraged to undergo
musculoskeletal disease that manifests in regarding lifting of interstate travel ban. the Covid detection test before embarking on
joint pains. The prime minister also said Malaysians who their journey.
Nancy said the announcement by Prime have completed their Covid-19 vaccination will
The survey, conducted by Elma Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to allow be allowed to travel abroad without the “This can indirectly help the government
Research for healthcare provider Viatris in interstate travel was good news for the tourism Immigration Department’s MyTravelPass break the chain and curb the spread of the
conjunction with World Arthritis Day today, industry as local tourism, arts and culture sector effective from yesterday. pandemic.”
shows that four in 10 persons reported would be revived, Bernama reported.
increased difficulties in coping with the Nancy said one of the focuses outlined in the She said visitors must comply with all
lockdown emotionally and physically, and She added the ministry welcomed the move ministry’s Tourism Recovery Plan to revive the standard operating procedures that are issued
more than half of them now need support in from time to time by the National Security
carrying out their daily activities. Council, Health Ministry and the relevant
ministries and agencies.
In Malaysia, 40% have trouble managing
their condition from the emotional aspect, Book jabs at private
while 39% face difficulties in managing the health facilities
physical problems they face.
FOR REMEMBRANCE ... Form One student of SMK Senawang, Muhd Hadif Mohd Harun, taking a KUALA LUMPUR: Individuals living around the
The survey attributed the condition to selfie after receiving his first dose of the Covid vaccine at the Paroi sports complex yesterday. Klang Valley who have not been given a
the pressure related to measures such as – BERNAMAPIX Covid-19 vaccination appointment or have yet
social isolation and restrictions on mobility to receive their second dose, can place a booking
to curb Covid-19. for free inoculation at private health facilities
other than government health clinics.
The survey also shows that in Malaysia,
17% of those with osteoarthritis reported a The Health Ministry said in a statement that it
significant impact on their quality of life was being carried out through an adult
even during normal times. With changes vaccination booking programme, which began
needed to curb Covid-19, 45% said the yesterday, at 98 selected private health facilities
situation has worsened for them. registered under ProtectHealth Corp Sdn Bhd
(ProtectHealth).
Viatris said osteoarthritis is one of the 10
most disabling diseases in developed “Those living in the Klang Valley who wish to
countries, and its prevalence rises with age get their vaccination appointment are required
and increasing body mass index. to make a reservation with any of these private
facilities.”
It has been estimated that more than 250
million people will suffer from The programme is specially targeted for
osteoarthritis by 2025. adults who have not received an appointment or
who have missed their first or second dose
To address the challenges arising from appointment.
an ageing population, the World Health
Organisation and the United Nations have The programme developed by ProtechHealth
developed an initiative called “Decade of is to improve access to vaccines in Selangor and
Healthy Ageing” to promote integrated and Kuala Lumpur as well as to avoid wastage due to
long-term care for those with chronic uncertainty of the vaccine demand. – Bernama
conditions.

Viatris said mental and physical
exercises, keeping an ideal weight and
healthy nutrition will help in the
management of joint pain and
osteoarthritis.

Approval letter to operate no longer needed C VID-19
UPDATE
PUTRAJAYA: Businesses in the Nanta Linggi said however, businesses specifically the distribution and retail
distribution sector will no longer need were still bound by the standard sectors,” he said yesterday. As of noon yesterday
an approval letter obtained from the operating procedures under the
Covid-19 Intelligent Management National Recovery Plan (NRP), The ministry would continue to Total 2,346,303
System (CIMS) to operate, following especially states in Phase Two and conduct enforcement to ensure that concafisremsed
the lifting of interstate travel ban Phase Three of the NRP. business premises and the public
announced by the government on adhere to the prescribed SOP.
Sunday. “The permission for interstate travel
is another positive measure by the CIMS is managed by the
Domestic Trade and Consumer government towards boosting the International Trade and Industry
Affairs Minister Datuk Seri Alexander country’s economic recovery, Ministry for issuance of approval letters
for businesses. – Bernama

Total
Open science initiative expected to be ready next year ac�ve cases cNaesews 6,709

KUALA LUMPUR: The pilot project for modules for its subjects via an Technology and Innovation Ministry, 116,596
the development of the Malaysian inquiry-based science education through the Malaysian Global
Open Science Platform (MOSP) is pedagogy approach, Bernama Innovation and Creativity Centre, also Total
expected to be completed in the first reported encouraged innovation in education. recoveries Current
quarter of 2022, said Science, recovery 93.58%
Technology and Innovation Minister “Teachers have a role to encourage “This includes the National 2,195,669
Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba. students to explore STEM subjects in a Technology and Innovation Sandbox, rate
creative manner to develop their which is one of the target sectors that is
Developed by the Academy of curiosity,” he said during a in line with the country’s Death 5,514Brought
Sciences Malaysia (ASM), the MOSP is question-and-answer session at the socio-economic drivers under the toll
a digital research data sharing platform Dewan Negara yesterday. 10-10 Malaysian Science, Technology, -in-Dead
at institute of higher learning level that Innovation and Economy Framework. 27,329
enabled local and international He was replying to Senator Jaziri
researchers to stay connected, he said. Alkaf Abdillah Suffian, who wanted the “An example is the Pandai and PROGRESS STATISTICS FOR THE NATIONAL COVID-19 IMMUNISATION PROGRAMME
minister to state the plan and efforts Pendidikan Awal Anak2u websites of As of October 10
“ASM is also working with the taken to ensure that the country’s the Science of Life Studies 24/7.” Received second doses
National Science, Technology, education technology is in line with the
Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Industrial Revolution 4.0 and the He added Cradle Fund has 24,457,378 21,305,196
Centre under the Education Ministry 21st-century learning. implemented coaching programmes
by developing teaching and learning for technology startups and funded 11
Adham said the Science, education-related companies.

Cop probed over criminal 5theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021
intimidation of girlfriend NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS

o ‘Gang leader’ also under investigation for assaulting the officer. ‘Give more priority to
woman who demanded return of money loaned to DSP When discussions became heated, the missing funds probe’

█ BY CHARLES RAMENDRAN claimed was to be used as a bribe for his DSP allegedly threatened to kill the victim PETALING JAYA: Prominent social activist Tan Sri
[email protected] “promotion” to a full superintendent. and her family if she persisted in asking for Robert Phang wants the Malaysian Anti-Corruption
KLANG: A deputy superintendent of police the cash. The victim was then chased out of Commission (MACC) and police to accord top
(DSP), who threatened his girlfriend with The woman, who lives in Klang, agreed the restaurant by the officer. priority to investigations into the millions of cash in
harm after she demanded repayment from to hand him the cash early last month after US dollars that went missing last month while in
him for a loan, is being investigated for the DSP told her that he would return it if he As she stepped out of the premises, the MACC custody.
criminal intimidation. fails to get the promotion. suspected gang leader approached her and
allegedly slapped her and also threatened to The money was seized by the anti-graft agency
Police are also investigating another It is learnt that after weeks of urging him kill her if she continued bothering the police in the course of investigations into the money
man, who is said to be an underworld gang to pay up, the police officer, who is attached officer. There were only two other diners at laundering and criminal breach of trust case
leader, for allegedly slapping the woman to Negri Sembilan police, arranged to meet the restaurant at the time. allegedly involving former director of the
when she met the DSP at a restaurant last up with her at a restaurant in Taman Malaysian External Intelligence Organisation, Datuk
week. Berkeley here on Thursday evening. The woman lodged a police report over Hasanah Abdul Hamid. She was later given a
the threats and assault the same day. discharge not amounting to aquittal by the court.
Sources said the 36-year-old divorcee, The victim showed up and found the
who is a court interpreter, had loaned officer and the suspected gang leader It is also learnt that the RM100,000 the The media reported that both the MACC and
RM100,000 to the police officer, which he together. woman gave the DSP was part of a police are conducting investigations into the missing
RM300,000 divorce settlement she had funds, and three MACCofficers were expected to be
During the meeting, the woman received from her ex-husband. charged under the MACC and Police Acts.
demanded for her money, which infuriated
Selangor police chief Comm Datuk Police were also reported to be probing one of
Arjunaidi Mohamed, who confirmed the the three officers for illegal possession of drugs and
case, told theSun that investigations are firearms.
ongoing. He declined further comment.
“Members of the public were shocked when
JOB DONE ... A policeman dismantling a roadblock and packing up at a highway in this case was exposed in the media two weeks
George Town, Penang following Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob’s ago. I urge the MACC particularly, to give its
announcement on allowing interstate travel. – MASRY CHE ANI/THESUN utmost priority of its investigations into this case
as it is the most serious act in breach of public
72 children among 1,275 missing individuals BRIEFStrust by MACC officers,”Phang said in a statement
yesterday.
█ BY ALISHA NUR MOHD NOOR Apart from a photograph, the portal also children by posting announcements on the
[email protected] carries a description of the missing child. The social media app. Phang pointed out that he could well
KUALA LUMPUR: The fate of 1,275 portal is accessible through understand the strong public reaction to the case
individuals, who have been reported missing knk2hilang.rmp.gov.my. Apart from that, they are also collaborating of missing millions as they look at an entity like the
since 2017, remains a mystery. Among them with various parties to organise awareness MACC as the last bastion of hope in the fight
are 72 children. Ismail said that with the information given, campaigns to address the problem. against corruption, which is fast becoming another
greater awareness about the missing persons pandemic in the nation.
Deputy Home Minister I Datuk Seri Ismail has been made available in the public He said the objective of the Children’s
Mohamed Said told the Dewan Negara domain, thereby creating an opportunity for Awareness Campaign is to create awareness in He also called on the MACC to exercise due
yesterday they were among 4,471 persons the community to work together to track them the community about the vulnerability of diligence and transparency in its internal
under the age of 18 who were reported down. children and ways to ensure their safety. investigation involving its own officers, without
missing from early 2017 to Sept 1 this year. fear or favour.
He said many missing persons have been “The police are also carrying out crime
In the same period, a total of 6,074 found after their personal particulars were prevention patrols around housing areas, “Once sufficient evidence is uncovered for a
individuals aged over 18 were also reported displayed on the portal, thus proving its shops and schools,” he said. prima facie case, the MACC should charge the
missing. Among them, 4,871 have been found. effectiveness. three officers without any delay,”he added.
Ismail noted that among the reasons
Ismail was responding to a request from “The government encourages the children or adults go missing are family Blogger claims trial
Senator Datuk Wira Koh Nai Kwong over community to work with the police to ensure problems, lack of attention or
statistics on the number of missing persons, the rate or number of people missing can be misunderstanding. KUALA LUMPUR: Blogger Aspan Alias pleaded not
including children, reported in Malaysia in the reduced to zero,” he said. guilty in the sessions court yesterday to a charge of
past five years. He said there are also instances when posting insulting remarks against the Yang di-
“The ministry is also appealing for public children are taken away by the mother or Pertuan Agong on his Facebook account in May.
He also wanted to know how many were cooperation by reporting to the police if they father.
found and how many remained missing, and have the latest information related to a Aspan, 69, was charged with improper use of
the steps the government was taking to missing person.” “There are also some who want to be free network facilities by initiating the transmission of
address the problem. to be with their lovers or peers or to run away the offensive communication with intention to
Ismail said the police are collaborating with from debt collectors. Among those missing are annoy others using Facebook, under the profile
Ismail said that to tackle the problem the 40 other agencies through National Urgent also people who have encountered mental or name“Aspan Alias”at 2.47pm on May 16 this year.
government has created a Missing Children Response (NUR) Alert, which is an early physical abuse by family or guardians,” he
Portal with all the necessary information warning system for missing children, to assist added. The charge was framed under Section 233(1)(a)
about the missing kids, such as their names, law enforcement agencies in conducting of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998
ages, the dates they were reported missing investigations that could lead to speedy arrests. Ismail said those who are experiencing which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000 or
and the last location where they had been depression, are senile or have mental imprisonment for up to one year or both, and shall
seen. He added police and Facebook Malaysia, problems, facing criminal problems, or have also be liable to a further fine of RM1,000 for every
as members of the NUR Alert task force, are been involved in rape or an obscene act also day during which the offence is committed after
working together to track down missing count among people who have been reported conviction. Justice M. M. Edwin Paramjothy allowed
missing. Aspan bail of RM3,000 with one surety and set Dec
10 for mention. – Bernama

FIRE BREAKS OUT
AT HOSPITAL WARD

SHAH ALAM: A fire broke out at two empty
wards at Pantai Hospital in Persiaran Raja
Muda Musa in Port Klang near here on
Sunday night. However, no one was
injured in the incident. Selangor Fire and
Rescue Department director Norazam
Khamis said a distress call was received at
11.38pm and personnel from the Port
Klang station arrived at the scene four
minutes later. He said firefighters managed
to put out the blaze within 30 minutes. A
total of 50 people, including 28 patients at
the nearby wards, 20 staff and two patient
guardians had been moved to safer areas
as a precaution, he said. Norazam said the
cause of the fire was still under
investigation. – Bernama

ACTOR AMONG TRIO
HELD OVER DRUG ABUSE

KUALA KANGSAR: A 28-year-old actor was
among three arrested on suspicion of drug
abuse in a raid on a house in Kuala Kangsar
on Sunday. Kuala Kangsar district police
chief ACP Omar Bakhtiar Yaacob said a
drama and film director, and an assistant
aged 49 and 47 respectively were also
nabbed. He said acting on information,
they were arrested by a team from the
criminal investigation division of the Kuala
Kangsar district police headquarters and
assisted by members of the Kuala Kangsar
police station at 7.15am. – Bernama

6 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021 Mass flooding seen
NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS from the air after
continuous
Dozens arrested in downpours in the
HK speedboat city of Jinzhong in
smuggling raids Shanxi province on
Sunday. – AFPPIX
HONG KONG: Dozens of triad members
have been arrested here in a series of Heavy rainfall floods
operations targeting gangs using northern China
high-powered speedboats to smuggle
BRIEFScontraband to the Chinese mainland, o 120,000 evacuated, coal ordered coal mines to take flood-proofing state news agency Xinhua reported had received
police said yesterday. mining operations suspended measures and make emergency plans to be more than three times the average monthly
“activated immediately in case of grave danger”. rainfall for October in just five days last week.
Smuggling has been a mainstay of BEIJING: More than 120,000 people have been
the triad organised crime gangs evacuated, coal mines shut and crops destroyed At least 60 coal mines in the province, one of An estimated 190,000 hectares of crops were
operating on both sides of the border for after unseasonably heavy rainfall flooded north China’s top coal-producing regions, have destroyed and 17,000 buildings were reduced to
years but the phenomenon has surged China’s Shanxi province over the weekend, state suspended operations due to the floods, rubble, the local Communist Party newspaper
during the coronavirus pandemic. media reported yesterday, with more rain according to a local government statement, Shanxi Evening News reported.
forecast. even as the country faces a power supply
Police embarked on a crackdown crunch. Shanxi’s meteorological bureau said on
after a marine officer was killed last The deluge comes just months after record Sunday there would be more rain in the coming
month when her vessel was rammed by floods hit the country’s central Henan province Beijing recently ordered coal mines to spare days, urging farmers to “rush to harvest when
smugglers during a high-speed chase. in July – killing more than 300 people – and no costs to increase production and ensure the weather is clear”.
raises fears about ensuring the supply of energy supply, as well as said it will allow higher
Yesterday, Hong Kong police said 365 ahead of the winter. electricity prices in a bid to boost generation. Authorities have not yet published a death
people had been arrested in a series of toll.
joint raids over the last two weeks, Many parts of Shanxi, a landlocked province Analysts have warned the move could add to
including 35 men with triad that generally has dry weather, saw inflation concerns. Video footage published by the Shanxi
backgrounds suspected of running the record-breaking rainfall over the past week, Evening News showed rescuers wading through
sea smuggling operations. according to the provincial government, which China has been hit by widespread power cuts murky waters and floating on rafts down flooded
amid record coal prices, state electricity price urban streets.
China police also arrested two men controls and tough emissions targets that have
suspected of being involved in the squeezed the power supply. Meanwhile, state broadcaster CCTV showed
collision that killed the officer, Supt Ho workers repairing a broken dam, and railway
Chun-tung from Hong Kong’s Organised More than 1.75 million residents have so far tracks left suspended over water after part of the
Crime and Triad Bureau told reporters. been affected by the floods in Shanxi, which bridge they were on collapsed. – AFP

More than 50 speedboats have been No progress in Himalayan border talks
seized along with 1,700 tonnes of frozen
meat worth HK$500 million (RM268 BEIJING: China and India yesterday blamed The statement did not say what the demands Long said China had tried to ease tensions
million). each other for the failure of high-level talks to were. along the boundary area, but warned India “not
ease tensions along a disputed Himalayan to misjudge the situation” and to act “in good
Frozen meat is just one part of a border between the nuclear-armed neighbours. In response, India’s Defence Ministry said faith”.
cornucopia of in-demand goods that China was “not agreeable” to discussing
gangs smuggle into China. The strategically important Galwan river “constructive suggestions and could not provide India has blamed the tensions on what it calls
valley between Tibet and India’s Ladakh region any forward-looking proposals”. unilateral moves by China to “alter the status
Recent speedboat smuggling busts became a high-altitude flashpoint last year after quo”, in violation of existing bilateral agreements.
have netted everything from luxury one of the deadliest troop clashes in decades. India said both sides have agreed to maintain
watches, handbags and shoes to communications and stability. Earlier this month, India’s army chief said
endangered animal parts, cosmetics, Senior military officials from the two China was sending “considerable numbers” of
wines, whiskey and cigars. countries held their first round of talks in two China and India, whose border runs for troops to the border, prompting a matching
months, but it ended without any progress. 3,500km, fought a full-scale war in 1962 and have deployment by New Delhi.
Police said so far this year they have long accused each other of trying to seize
seized HK$730 million worth of India made “unreasonable and unrealistic territory along their unofficial border, known as His comments came days after Chinese
contraband goods from speedboat demands”, said Chinese military spokesman the Line of Actual Control (LAC). Foreign Ministry spokesman Hua Chunying said
smuggling gangs compared to HK$490 Long Shaohua in a statement issued by the Indian soldiers had made illegal incursions into
million in the whole of last year. People’s Liberation Army’s Western Theatre The latest talks focused on resolving Chinese territory, an accusation that New Delhi
Command. “remaining issues” along the LAC in eastern denied. – AFP
Hong Kong has no sales tax, Ladakh, the Indian Defence Ministry said.
something that makes successful
smuggling hugely lucrative. Militants kill five soldiers in Indian Kashmir

Mainland China is also awash with NEW DELHI: Suspected militants shot dead five search operation probably by infiltrators”. been fighting Indian soldiers and demanding
fake brands while regular food health soldiers in Indian-administered Kashmir “The operation is ongoing.” independence for Kashmir or its merger with
scares have reinforced the demand for yesterday in the deadliest incident since The shootings were the deadliest attack on Pakistan.
international goods. – AFP February, an army spokesman said, stoking
tensions following a string of civilian murders. military forces in the area since a ceasefire Tensions have flared in recent weeks with a
SRI LANKA PRESIDENT between India and Pakistan along the effective spate of shootings of civilians in the area in
ADMITS SHORTFALL The shootings occurred in a mountain pass border was announced in February. attacks claimed by an anti-India militant group.
near the Line of Control (LoC) dividing the area
COLOMBO: Sri Lankan President from Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Kashmir has been divided between the two Nearly 500 residents suspected to have links
Gotabaya Rajapaksa admitted his countries since their independence in 1947, with with banned religious and militant groups were
government is “not delivering” as Colonel Devendar Anand told AFP that one both claiming the Himalayan region in full. detained across the territory following the
shortages persist of food, medicines officer and four soldiers “were killed during a shootings, said a senior police officer. – AFP
and other essential items because of For over three decades, rebel groups have
a dire foreign exchange squeeze.
“The people may have a sense of
displeasure towards me and the
government for not delivering as
they expected,” Rajapaksa’s office
quoted him as saying on Sunday. “I
accept that. Not only me, but all
ministers and members of
Parliament should accept it,” he said.
A shortage of foreign currency has
hindered Sri Lanka’s ability to import
goods, prompting the government
to declare a state of emergency and
impose rationing. – AFP

IRAQ ARRESTS ISLAMIC
STATE FINANCE CHIEF

BAGHDAD: Iraq has captured the
alleged Islamic State finance chief
Sami Jasim al-Jaburi, who was
sought by the United States, Prime
Minister Mustafa al-Kadhemi said
yesterday. Sami Jasim was arrested
by intelligence services “outside the
borders” of Iraq, Mustafa said on
Twitter. He did not specify the
location but said Sami Jasim was
captured in a “complex external
operation”. The US had offered a
reward of up to US$5 million for his
capture. The US Rewards for Justice
programme said Sami Jasim had
“reportedly served as the equivalent
of finance minister, supervising the
Islamic State’s revenue-generating
operations from illicit sales of oil,
gas, antiquities and minerals”. – AFP

FOLLOW ON TELEGRAM SCAN 7theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021
ME * NEWS WITHOUT BORDERS
/thesuntelegram

Sydney reopens after 106-day lockdown

o Midnight rush for pubs and shops after “I’ll tell you what, mate, it is the western Sydney suburb of Mount the largest cities of Melbourne and
period of ‘blood, sweat and no beers’ beautiful just to have a beer right in Druitt, with social media images Sydney which are now pivoting to
the middle of the heart of Sydney, at showing long queues inside. “living with Covid”.
CANBERRA: Elated Sydneysiders of over-16s fully vaccinated, the city is the Circular Quay and have a beer
celebrated the end of almost four dusting off the cobwebs. with your mates. Since June, shops, schools, salons “It’s a big day for our state,” said
months of coronavirus lockdown and offices have been closed for New South Wales’ recently appointed
yesterday, putting behind them a From midnight, pubs, restaurants “I’m over this lockdown.” non-essential workers and there have conservative Premier Dominic
period of “blood, sweat and no beers” and cafes began throwing open their Cafe-goer Peter Morgan, 35, was been unprecedented restrictions on Perrottet.
in Australia’s largest city. doors to anyone who could prove also relishing his newly regained personal freedom.
they were vaccinated. freedoms. After “100 days of blood, sweat
Sydney’s more than five million “Even though it’s like freezing There were bans on everything and no beers, you’ve earned it”, he
residents were subjected to a 106-day They included Garth Diemer, 32, outside, it’s so good. from travelling more than 5km from said.
lockdown, designed to limit the and his team of high-spirited “The first thing I’m going to do is home, visiting family, playing squash,
march of the highly transmissible construction workers who were see my parents. Actually no, not see browsing in supermarkets to Despite the celebratory mood,
Delta variant. making the most of a rain day. my parents. I’m going to go to attending funerals. there are lingering concerns that
Lakemba to get a Lebanese mixed reopening will bring a surge in
With new infections now falling – “We knew the pubs were going to plate and then go see my parents.” For most of the pandemic, infections.
New South Wales state recorded 496 be open at 10am because it’s Freedom For many, the end of lockdown Australia successfully suppressed
cases yesterday – and more than 70% Day, so I thought I’d take the blokes was a chance to get into the shops. infections through border closures, The Australian Medical
down for a couple of schooners. At midnight, hundreds of people lockdowns and aggressive testing and Association warned that reopening
poured into a discount Kmart store in tracing. must be gradual “otherwise New
South Wales may still see hospitals
But the Delta variant put paid to become completely overwhelmed
any dream of “Covid-zero”, at least in despite high vaccination rates”. – AFP

Kiwi health workers and teachers told ‘no jab, no job’ UK police end Prince
Andrew review
WELLINGTON: New Zealand announced Practitioners backed mandatory vaccinations Before the arrival of the highly
yesterday a sweeping “no jab, no job” policy with president Samantha Murton describing transmissible Delta variant in August, New LONDON: Britain’s biggest police force said on
for most healthcare workers and teachers to it as a “bold, but necessary call” to make. Zealand had won widespread praise for its Sunday it has closed a review into allegations
prevent the spread of Covid-19. Covid elimination policy. accusing Prince Andrew of sexual abuse.
Secondary schools will also be required to
“We can’t leave anything to chance so keep a register to show the vaccination status Residents enjoyed a near-normal domestic Metropolitan Police Service (MPS) chief
that’s why we are making it mandatory,” said of students. life alongside tight restrictions on Cressida Dick had said in August that “no one is
Covid-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins, international borders. above the law”, after Virginia Giuffre filed her
who is also the education minister. “Vaccination remains our strongest and claim alleging Queen Elizabeth II’s second son
most effective tool to protect against infection However, the “Covid-zero” strategy fell sexually assaulted her when she was a teenager.
Doctors, nurses and other frontline health and disease,” said Hipkins. apart when Delta was detected in Auckland
workers must be double-jabbed by Dec 1 and has since spread to the surrounding “As a matter of procedure, officers reviewed a
while everyone working in the education The order includes home-based educators Northland and Waikato provinces. document released in August as part of a US
sector who has contact with students must and parents volunteering at schools, but no civil action,” said MPS in a statement.
have their two doses by Jan 1. decision has been made on whether Prime Minister Jacinda Ardern said the
vaccination will be mandatory in the tertiary Delta variant had proved a “game-changer” “This review has concluded and we are
The Royal New Zealand College of General education sector. that could not be eliminated. – AFP taking no further action,” the London force said,
saying it would work further with other law
enforcement agencies leading the investigation.

MPS said it had also looked into a report by
Channel 4 News that British socialite Ghislaine
Maxwell trafficked, groomed and abused
women and girls in the UK.

“This review is complete and no further
action will be taken.”

According to Giuffre, the late US financier
Jeffrey Epstein regularly abused her and lent her
out to “powerful men” for sex.

She alleged that Prince Andrew abused her
at the London home of Maxwell, Epstein’s
former girlfriend, who is on remand in jail
awaiting trial in New York.

Andrew, 61, has until Oct 29 to respond
formally to the US lawsuit.

He has been not been criminally charged,
and has denied the allegations. – AFP

BRIEFS ASTRAZENECA’S COVID DRUG
LOGS UPBEAT TRIAL RESULTS
SACRED TRADITION ... Devotees carrying girls dressed as Hindu goddess Durga for ‘Kumari’ rituals at Kamakhya Temple in the Indian city of
Guwahati yesterday. – AFPPIX LONDON: AstraZeneca’s experimental
Covid-19 drug has helped cut the risk of
Philippine govt says press freedom is alive severe disease or death in a late-stage
study, the British drugmaker said yesterday,
MANILA: A top aide to Philippines President happy for that,” Duterte’s spokesman Harry against physical attacks and online threats. a boost to its efforts to develop coronavirus
Rodrigo Duterte said yesterday the awarding Roque told a regular briefing. “This ‘us against them’ was never the medicines beyond vaccines. The drug, a
of the Nobel Peace Prize to journalist and cocktail of two antibodies called AZD7442,
government critic Maria Ressa was proof that “Press freedom is alive and the proof is the creation of the journalists, it was the creation reduced the risk of severe Covid-19 or death
“press freedom is alive” in the country. Nobel Prize award to Maria Ressa,” said of the people in power who wanted to use a by 50% in non-hospitalised patients who
Roque, in the presidential palace’s first public type of leadership that divides society. have had symptoms for seven days or less,
Ressa, co-founder of news website comments on the award. meeting the main goal of the study.
Rappler, and Russian journalist Dmitry “I hope this allows journalists to do our AstraZeneca’s therapy, delivered via
Muratov were awarded the prize on Friday for Philippine press groups and rights activists jobs well without fear.” injection, is the first of its kind to show
their efforts to “safeguard freedom of have hailed Ressa’s prize as a “triumph” in a promise both as a preventative medicine
expression”. country ranked as one of the world’s most Roque denied the government had created and as a treatment for Covid-19 following
dangerous for journalists. a “chilling effect” for media outlets, saying multiple trials. – Reuters
Since Duterte took power in 2016, Ressa anyone who claimed that “should not be a
and Rappler have faced a series of criminal Ressa, 58, told AFP in an interview on journalist”. NEW BRITISH WARSHIP
charges and investigations in what media Saturday that she was still battling seven court MAKES SINGAPORE STOP
advocates describe as state harassment over cases, including an appeal of a cyber libel He also rejected suggestions Ressa’s Nobel
their reporting, including on the conviction, for which she faces up to six years Prize was “a slap” for the government, SINGAPORE: Britain’s new aircraft carrier
government’s deadly drug war. in prison. insisting “no one has ever been censored in HMS Queen Elizabeth made a stop in the
the Philippines”. city-state yesterday, part of a move to
Duterte has called Rappler a “fake news Two other cyber libel cases were dismissed reassert itself globally and boost its military
outlet”, and Ressa has been the target of earlier this year. “Maria Ressa still has to clear her name presence in Asia amid rising competition
abusive messages online. before our courts,” Roque said, calling her a among major powers. The Queen Elizabeth
Ressa, who is also an American citizen, “convicted felon”. led a British carrier strike group in exercises
“It’s a victory for a Filipina and we’re very said she hoped the prize would help shield with Singapore’s military at the weekend,
her and other journalists in the Philippines “We leave it to our courts to decide on her including naval manoeuvres and simulated
fate.” – AFP combat training with F-35B stealth fighters
and F-16 jets. Britain plans to permanently
deploy two warships in Asian waters, where
the United States and Western allies are
trying to contain China’s militarisation and
island-building. – Reuters

8 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021 FOLLOW ON YOUTUBE SCAN
SPEAK UP ME
/theSunMedia

COMMENT by GeoffreyWilliams LETTERS

Time for social pension reform [email protected]
BASED on current estimates of
retirement savings, the majority of For now, rehearsing these causes and Replacement Pensions based on a Good move to
Malaysians will live in abject, looking for someone to blame serves little percentage of early-life income, or the decriminalise
absolute poverty during the final purpose, instead we must look for solutions median or average income. Again all income suicide attempts
years of their lives. because pension reform is essential and earners should be eligible with income-
To see this, we need to note that must begin immediately. related contributions shared between THE proposal by the government to decriminalise
Malaysia’s working-age population is employers and employees, and investment suicide is a move in the right direction.
around 23.3 million people, with 16 million The best schemes target a good standard income from public investment funds. This
in the workforce and 7.3 million outside the of living as we get older rather than is similar to most of the schemes we have Attempted suicide is regarded as an offence
workforce. Unemployment and providing a replacement for income when now but would have extended scope to (under Section 309 of the Penal Code), where the
underemployment account for 771,800 and we stop working at a fixed artificial age. This informal workers and tax-incentives to person who attempts suicide can be charged. But
2.4 million people, respectively. would include a means-tested guaranteed encourage savings. with the new proposal, those who attempt suicide
Around 15.3 million people are actively Universal Basic Income (UBI), or Living will not be convicted.
working, with 3.8 million in the informal Wage (LW), jointly funded by the state and The third level should provide a Desired
sector and 11.6 million in the formal sector. contributions, as now from employees and Income Pension through which people can This is a landmark proposal and it will go a long
Within the formal group, 4.1 million have no employers but with social top-ups for those target a higher income and lifestyle in older way in helping suicidal victims and treating the
formal pension cover, leaving only 5.8 unable to make the target monthly savings. life. It would mostly cover higher income person as mentally unstable, instead of putting the
million active Employees Provident Fund earners, who can be encouraged to save, person behind bars.
(EPF) contributors and 1.7 million other Reforms must also accommodate with higher tax-free contributions into
formal pension contributors mainly in the changes in the working environment such as public or private funds. Suicide is a cry for help and should be treated as
civil service. those with incomplete careers who have such, and not as a criminal act. There is no doubt
Among the EPF contributors, we now taken time out, and of course they must also This opens up a series of options for that the taking of a life is a crime but taking one’s
know that around 46%, or 2.7 million, have accommodate the shift to non-standard people who want and can afford a better own life should be viewed from a different
less than RM10,000 in pension savings. work patterns, gig-economy workers, retirement income, and reduces the burden perspective. No one in their right mind would want
Taking this together, around 48.9% of the freelancers and micro-enterprises, all of on the social pension schemes. to end their life except if they were facing a life
working-age population have no cover for which have increased due to the impact threatening situation.
retirement and 63.8% have basically no of Covid-19. The fourth and final level should provide
cover for retirement. options for Non-pension Income Suicide has become a frightening reality and a
In fact, this scenario for the whole Private schemes would probably have a Alternatives to incentivise people to scary trend in our society. A medical newsletter
population is mirrored in recent analysis minor role in Malaysia because public continue to earn income in older life from reported that suicide would be the country’s second
from the EPF, which suggests that only 3% of investment funds in Malaysia like EPF are multiple sources. This offers scope for biggest cause of death after heart disease in five to
Malaysians will reach their estimated much better in terms of risk adjusted returns people to maintain their lifestyle and choices 10 years.
threshold for required savings of RM240,000 and efficiency. in older-life income. An obvious example is
by retirement, according to EPF chief to allow those who want to continue to work According to the World Health Organisation, over
strategy officer Nurhisham Hussein. People should also be encouraged to find to do so on a more flexible basis. one million people commit suicide every year. In
To understand how devastating this is, let non-pension income where possible from Malaysia, most suicide cases happen among people
us do some simple mathematics. If a person housing and financial savings, but also A less obvious alternative is to create a between the ages of 15- 30 and 50-75.
retires with RM10,000 in their EPF account maintain engagement through easier and Senior Asset Account composed of non-
and lives 20 years, they would have RM500 more flexible work as they get older. pension assets, which may include your Unable to cope with mounting pressure from
per year or RM42 per month or RM1.37 per home, shares and unit trusts or other school and work, and unable to deal with
day to live on. In some countries work ends over a more savings, financial assets and valuables. The examinations, family issues and broken
Recent EPF data showed a 60% decline in flexible timescale, and rehiring schemes idea is to combine all your assets upon relationships, the young adults take their own lives.
median savings among the 5.05 million EPF provide less abrupt retirement, which helps retirement, like combining the Account 1
members in the B40 group, from RM2,434 mental and physical health, and eases the and 2 of EPF at 55 years old, and to covert The “pressure cooker” lifestyle leads to a plethora
(RM10 per month for 20 years) to RM1,005 transition to a happy, smoother retirement. this into an income generating asset, or of illnesses, both physical and mental. The elderly
(RM4 per month for 20 years) post- annuity of various forms. face problems of loneliness, depression and ageing.
pandemic. For those in the M40 category, With these ideas in mind, Malaysia can
there was a 17% drop in median savings, look at a new social pension system based For example, those with a house worth Suicide is a manifestation of the condition and
from RM30,113 (RM125 per month for 20 on four tiers of protection, which can be RM240,000 could have a reverse mortgage in state of the mental health of a person. A suicidal
years) to RM24,995 (RM104 per month funded from multiple sources, with shared which they receive a payment of RM1,000 person loses hope and gives up on life, and chooses
for 20 years). responsibilities between employees, per month for 240 months, or 20 years, in his mind to terminate his existence.
We know that the withdrawal schemes employers, the government and investment secured against the value of the house. They
under i-Lestari, i-Sinar and i-Citra have left funds within a social market model. would continue to own the house during the Cousellors and tutors have to be more alert to
6.3 million Account 1 holders and nine remainder of their life but it would revert to identify and look out for students with psychological
million Account 2 holders with less than The first level should provide a Universal the pension provider when they pass away. and emotional problems. Every reported case of
RM10,000 balance, but this is only part of Basic Pension, with a minimum income for suicidal tendencies should be investigated promptly
the problem. the older cohort based on a UBI or LW, The burden of pension reform cannot fall and discreetly. There is a rise in the number of school
The extent of pension inadequacy is a which will guarantee a decent standard of on EPF alone, although clearly it will be an and college students taking their lives due to
structural problem, not related to EPF alone living beyond the bare minimum. It should anchor to the system. We must look for wider examination pressure. Parental and societal pressure
but related to wider issues of low-pay, poor be universal, and provided for everyone alternatives, drawing together all to excel in examinations has driven many young
savings, low workforce participation and too whether they have been working or not, and stakeholders to find a solution urgently. The children to suicides. The young adults should be
few savings options. whether they have made pension alternative of mass poverty should be given stress-coping mechanisms and strategies in
contributions or not. incentive enough to focus our minds. their school and workplace.

The best form of funding would be with a Prof Geoffrey Williams is an economist at There are also many young people who have
portfolio of direct government grants, Malaysia University of Science and ended their lives because of failed relationships.
contribution schemes for those that can Technology based in Kuala Lumpur.
afford it, social top-ups for those that cannot Religious authorities should conduct seminars
afford contributions, and investment The views expressed here are his own. and talks on the value of live and making the most
income from public investment funds. Comments: [email protected] of being alive. No one can go back and start a new
beginning, but anyone can start a new day and
The second level should provide Income make a blissful ending.

Time heals everything in life, so be patient for
everything will fall into place.

Samuel Yesuiah
Seremban

TELLING IT AS IT IS

LIFESTYLE YOUTH
FASHION ENTERTAINMENT

TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021

PICTURE COURTESY OF ALIABASTAMAM throAugwhFaarsehnieosns Free Guy Movie
Designer Alia Bastamam presents ALIA B X DHAN Review
ILLIANI collaboration in support of Pink October
>>> Page 4&5 >>> Page 3

EDUCATION FOCUS

>>> Page 6-8

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2 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021 @thesundaily

█ COMPILED BY MARINA MUHTAR, JOHN TAN, MARIETTA MU & S. TAMARAI CHELVI

Chsawlaemetetc’osstume
o The star will be playing Willy Wonka in a film prequel
Craig in No Time to Die. – MGM STUDIOS about the enigmatic character Wilder (left) and Depp as the iconic character. –
PARAMOUNT PICTURES
Slow box-office TIMOTHÉE CHALAMET recently Chalamet wrote on Instagram: “The factory. The production also billed as a
start for Bond uploaded a photo of himself looking suspense is terrible, I hope it will last,” musical, and the American actor and one-time
magical in his red velvet coat and referring to a line spoken by Wilder in the Oscar nominee is expected to sing and dance.
IT appears that it’s taking a little longer than brown top hat for his upcoming film, original 1971 adaptation, Willy Wonka & the
expected for James Bond to find his footing. Wonka. Chocolate Factory. The iconic candymaker was the creation of
famous author, the late Roald Dahl. The
No Time to Die, the latest film in the 007 The 25-year-old reimagines the role of the While the plot details for Wonka are sealed character made its debut in the 1964 novel
spy franchise, debuted in North America famous chocolatier, Willy Wonka that was off, Warner Bros. explains the prequel will Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, which
with US$56 million (RM233.4 million) at the once portrayed by the late Gene Wilder and serve as an origin for Willy Wonka before he instantly became a worldwide hit.
local box office, which was slightly lower Johnny Depp. becomes the owner to his famous chocolate
than expected. The novel tells the story of a poor young boy
Chalamet in named Charlie Bucket who wins a golden
That is the sign that even one of the costume as Willy ticket to tour inside the astonishing and
most celebrated brands in film history is still Wonka. – mysterious chocolate factory managed by
being forced to struggle with a moviegoing TIMOTHEE Wonka.
landscape that has been dramatically CHALAMET
changed by the pandemic. INSTAGRAM The book has been adapted twice to the big
screen, first directed by Mel Stuart in 1971 and
The film – directed by Cary Joji Tim Burton in 2005.
Fukunaga and Daniel Craig, Lea Seydoux,
Rami Malek and Ana de Armas – was When Burton took his own twist on the
expected to rack up a higher weekend total book, Depp’s role as Wonka was a more
because of its positive reviews, and how the enigmatic person as opposed to Wilder’s
film represented Craig’s final movie as the inexpressive and peculiar character.
secret agent.
Burton’s take also stayed true to the source
In order to make a profit during its time material where he centred around Charlie, his
in theatres, box office experts estimate that grandfather and the other children and their
the movie needs to gross at least US$800 parents who experience catastrophe in the
million (RM3.34 billion) at the global box factory.
office.
Depp’s mind-blowing performance as
Ticket sales at the international box Willy Wonka seemed to be everyone’s
office have been good and the film has favourite, as the film stands at No. 4 among the
made US$313 (RM1.3 billion) million top five movies on HBO Max today.
globally.
Tellingly, instead of the whimsical purple
The slightly muted results for the 007 coat and oversized bow tie of Wonka’s
film could be caused by a few factors, character in 1971, Chalamet’s costume
including reluctance among older appeared to be leaning more towards Depp’s
audiences to return to theatres and its long aesthetic in Burton’s film.
nearly three-hour runtime, which resulted
in a limited number of screenings per day. The intriguing first look of Wonka will
certainly be compared to the talented Depp,
Since Bond movies tend to have an older who is renowned for portraying strange film
audience, the turnout for No Time to Die is roles that usually leave a mark on the
not one to be discouraged by yet. In audience.
general, older moviegoers don’t tend to
watch a film on its opening weekend. This latest revamp of the Willy Wonka story
is directed by Paul King, who is a legend for
According to United Artists Releasing, directing children’s movies such as
25% of ticket buyers returned to theatres Paddington and Paddington 2.
for the first time in more than 18 months for
Bond. Chalamet will be joined by other big stars,
Rowan Atkinson, Keegan-Michael Key, Sally
Hometown Cha-Cha-Cha ia clear favourite for Hawkins and Olivia Colman. The film is set for
viewers. – SOOMPI release in March 2023.

Hometown Cha- Squid Game stars recall emotional scene
Cha-Cha tops ratings MANY have come to know and love the
characters from Netflix’s latest series Squid them being friends. In other words, both had to Yeon. Jung Ho Yeon even confessed to relying on
ROMANTIC comedy Hometown Cha-Cha- Game. pretend that they were meeting for the first time her for advice on acting.
Cha’s latest episode on Sunday, reached the after their emotional scene was shot.
highest viewership ratings with an average In particular, two characters – Jung Ho “Yoo Mi probably already experienced the
nationwide rating score of 11.6%, according Yeon (Sae Byeok) and Lee Yoo Mi (Ji Young) Since the pair were so invested in their worries I had when it comes to acting, but she
to Nielsen Korea, breaking a record for the left a great impression on viewers for their characters, their personal feelings were affected. listened to me and thought about it with me. All
drama, which has only two episodes left. friendship on the show. And thanks to the scenes I had with Yoo Mi; we would talk a lot
recent behind the scenes footage, viewers “We were too immersed with the feelings about them the day before. I think I’m very lucky
The drama series has been in first place got to witness the emotional intensity during that scene. We weren’t supposed to cry, to meet such a friend as my first acting partner.
in its time slot, for three weeks behind their most memorable scene. but our eyes were already teary,” said Lee Yoo Mi She’s a good senior, friend and colleague.”
consecutively, and it’s a hit among the who has now become close friends with Jung Ho
target audience or key demographic In the particular scene, Ji Young and Sae
viewers aged between 20 to 49. Byeok play Marbles as their sports Jung (on left) and Lee in a light moment on the set of Squid Game. – NETFLIX
competition. But amid the competition, Ji
The series scored a nationwide average Young sacrifices herself for Sae Byeok to
of 6.2% and a peak of 6.8%. proceed with the next round. This scene
that brought many viewers to tears also
Meanwhile, another tv series, KBS 2TV’s caused an overwhelming feeling among the
Young Lady and Gentleman also achieved actors on set.
all-time high ratings in viewership with an
average nationwide rating of 27.8% for its In the behind-the-scenes footage, the
sixth episode. two actors can be seen struggling to hold
back their tears. As soon as the director
yelled cut, both of them were seen crying.
Jung Ho Yeon even had to walk away to
compose herself. The make-up artists also
needed to take time in between to wipe
away the tears off Jung Ho’s face.

During a recent interview with Netflix,
Lee Yoo Mi revealed a surprising detail
about the scene. According to her, this
scene was shot before the characters’ first
meeting. In fact, the scene of Sae Byeok
inviting Ji Young to be her teammate was
the last scene they shot together.

Only after the heartbreaking scene did
the pair continue filming the journey of

READ OUR HERE SCAN ENTERTAINMENT
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/thesundaily 3theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021

Ready
player Ryan
o Free Guy offers a fresh 0 Cast: Ryan
take on video game movies Reynolds, Jodie
that is worth leaving the Comer, Lil Rel
house for Howery, Joe
Keery, Utkarsh
█ BY MARIETTA MU Ambudkar and
Taika Waititi.
FREE GUY is a sci-fi action comedy film
directed by Shawn Levy that tells the 0Director:
story of a Guy (Ryan Reynolds). He lives Shawn Levy
a simple and routine life as a bank teller
at Free City Bank until one day when he E-VALUE
discovers that he is actually a non-player 7
character (NPC) in the ultra-violent, open-
world video game named Free City. ACTING
8
When Guy meets Molotovgirl (Jodie Comer),
she ends up helping him navigate the game and PLOT
come to terms with the fact that the only life he 7
has known is just a virtual one. After this
realisation, Guy decides to become the hero of Guy roaming around Free City.
his own story – one he rewrites himself. He
becomes determined to be the guy who saves The film stars a strong line-up of actors and (from left) Waititi, Ambudkar and Keery in a scene at the Soonami office.
his world before it is too late. actresses, including Golden Globe-nominated
star Reynolds as Guy, Emmy-winning star aspiration, so being able to follow his highs and ‘Ninja’ Blevins, and Daniel ‘DanTDM’
On the surface, Free Guy seems like a typical Comer as Molotovgirl/Millie, Lil Rel Howery as lows, and ultimately celebrate his triumph, Middleton to tie in with the video gaming
family-friendly action movie that happens to Buddy, as well as Joe Keery as Keys, Utkarsh
target the Fortnite Generation, but there were Ambudkar as Mouser and Taika Waititi as
themes that speak of free will, and the Antwan, three characters who work for Free
relationship between creator and creation. Guy game developer Soonami.

Killing Eve’s However, in spite of the promising cast, I felt
Jodie Comer that the characters they played could have more
turns on the dimensions to their personalities. The plot was
charm as rather fast-paced and had a fair amount of
Molotovgirl/ twists and turns.
Millie in Free
Guy. Despite that, I still enjoyed watching the
screenwriter slowly unfurl the story.
Guy’s existential crisis in the film
is one that viewers would
find relatable. It was also
interesting to watch
him overcome it.
Wanting more in life
is a basic and
universal human

definitely makes it a feel-good movie that makes concept.
your mood a little better after watching. The movie is littered with Easter eggs which
The film also features cameos from a few might be interesting to catch when watching the
well-known YouTubers and Twitch Streamers film for a second time.
including Imane ‘Pokimane’ Anys, The visual effects in the film were impressive
Seán William ‘Jacksepticeye’ and I appreciated the duality and visual variety
McLoughlin, Lannan between the video game and real life. That said,
‘LazarBeam’ Eacott, Tyler I also wished they made the hacking and coding
component less movie-like and a little more
realistic.
Despite it being a cliche, I still enjoyed the
theme of friendship and love in the movie.
For those wondering if there will be a Free Guy
sequel, Reynolds tweeted: “Aaaannnnd after 3
years messaging Free Guy as an original IP
movie, Disney confirmed today they officially
want a sequel a day after the
movie was released. It would
Scan the QR appear that the world is not
code to quite done with Blue Shirt
watch Free Guy!”
Guy trailer Free Guy will be in cinemas

on Oct 14.

Genesis’ UK Tour derailed by Covid
ENGLISH rock group Genesis has Genesis’ Last Domino? Tour ... have performances will remain valid for
English rock group Genesis has been forced to cancel four UK tour dates after been forced to cancel four UK tour had to be postponed due to positive the rearranged shows, they said.
band members tested positive for coronavirus. – ETX STUDIO dates after band members tested Covid-19 tests within the band,” the
positive for coronavirus ahead of statement said. The upcoming tour of the US and
shows in London and Glasgow. Canada is due to include shows in
“This is a hugely frustrating Washington DC, Charlotte, Montreal,
The band, which found massive development for the band who are Toronto, Buffalo, Detroit, Cleveland
international success in the 1980s, devastated with this unlucky turn of and Philadelphia.
said in a statement they were events. They hate having to take these
“devastated” the show that evening steps but the safety of the audience The 2021 tours, Genesis’ first since
and performances over the following and touring crew has to take priority. 2007, has seen the line-up of Phil
three days would not go ahead. They look forward to seeing you upon Collins, Tony Banks and Mike
their return.” Rutherford expanded to include
The statement did not say whether Collins’s 20-year-old son Nicholas on
the positive tests had impacted plans The band said it was working to drums.
for Genesis’ upcoming North reschedule the postponed shows at
America tour, which is due to start in the SSE Hydro arena in Glasgow and The band’s original trio are all now
Chicago on Nov 15. London’s O2 Arena and would in their early 70s.
announce new dates “as soon as
“Following guidance and advice possible”. Collins, who previously provided
from the Government, it is with huge vocals and drums, has been left
regret that the final four shows of Tickets purchased for the unable to play because of lingering
health problems.

FASHION

4 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021

█ BY JASON LIM A cause to support Dhan Illiani
Yusof has
LOCAL womenswear designer o Malaysian fashion designer Alia Bastamam collaborates mostly
Alia Bastamam has always with artist Dhan Illiani for Pink October exhibited in
demonstrated her unequivocal Malaysia, but
support towards the National her works have
Cancer Society Malaysia (NCSM) and been
Children’s Home of Hope, and this extensively
year was no exception. featured
internationally.
For the fourth year running, her
ALIA B line will support Breast Cancer ALIA B X
Awareness Month alongside DHAN
Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, ILLIANI
in an artistic collaboration with rising printed
multidisciplinary artist Dhan Illiani
Yusof, whose works will be featured on oversized
a graphic t-shirt and sweater. sweater.

ALIA B’s past collaborators in its
philanthropic initiative include Tunku
Nadia Naquiyuddin of the dynamic DJ
duo Twinkies KL, and artist Sofia
Haron.

Alia’s design rule is simple: to only
create clothes that she herself would
wear. Her resortwear designs celebrate
the modern woman, with silhouettes
that are attentive and inclusive of the
female character.

Broadening her customer base, Alia
expanded her mainline in 2014 with
the inception of sister-brand ALIA B, to
offer affordable, trend-driven ready-
to-wear pieces.

The designer shared: “My team and
I are happy to be able to offer our
support for the good work at NCSM,
and thanks to the encouraging
response of the past collaborations, we
have decided to make this a platform
for artists.”

“We have such an inspiring pool of
young artists in Malaysia but I
specifically wanted this to be a
platform for young female artists,
because for me, the messages from
young women seem like a whisper
when really they are loud and clear – I
want that for them.”

Dhan’s eclectic artistic practice
spanning across fine art, installations,
illustrations, fashion design, video art
and poetry caught the eyes and
attention of Alia and her creative team.

The 24-year-old artist, who is also a
national ice hockey player for the

ALIA B X DHAN women’s team, however, focuses She delved further into
ILLIANI printed predominantly on experimental visual Sincerely, Adik and the
oversized T-shirt. and performance art, while exploring symbolism of the butterfly that is
the idea of ‘play’ in the context of shaped by hands playing Cat’s
adulthood. Cradle with rubber bands:
“The butterfly and rubber
“Dhan’s mixed-media collages bands represent the
struck a chord with us. We love her fluidity and
voice for storytelling, eye for continuous
composition and aesthetically, Dhan is change of
nothing short of cool,” Alia added. children
growing their
Dhan artwork for this collaboration wings. Even
aptly titled Sincerely, Adik envisions
the endearing term “adik” that we
Malaysians use as an all-
encompassing and ageless form of
addressing someone. Whether for a
child or anyone younger, the term
“adik” here becomes symbolic in a
sense that there is an “adik” in you, and
there is an “adik” in everyone.

The artist explained: “For the
collaboration, I want my work to speak
of how children shape a better future.
Through their most innocent,
nonsensical and unrealistic dreams,
children are inspirational with their
spirited courage to express – all just by
being themselves and sharing that
magic with the world.”

This year, designer Alia
Bastamam celebrates the
10th year of her namesake
brand in the Malaysian
fashion industry. – ALL
PICTURES COURTESY OF
ALIA BASTAMAM

FASHION

5theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021

Move
comfortably
with
UNIQLO’s
Freedom in
Motion
collection.

AS we step into a new lifestyle and embrace Stay Connected with UNIQLO
a smaller, more local and familiar world, 2021 Fall/Winter Collection
UNIQLO dropped its new LifeWear 2021
Fall/Winter Collection, a sign of its
aspiration to bring new perspectives and
meaning to life.

Finding solace in neighbourhoods,
UNIQLO’s new collection stems from the
freedom of being able to be yourself in your
own neighbourhood as these special
places are vital in sustaining a high quality
of life.

However one chooses to dress up,
whether casually or stylishly, just to go to
their favourite restaurant or even for a
relaxing walk in the park, staying true to
themselves plays a prominent role in
discovering their own style.

With Neighbourhood Living standing as
the main theme, this collection is broken
down into four other sub themes as well
which are Freedom in Motion, Need for
Nature, Curated City Living and Rest and
Recharge.

as adults, we are still growing 1. Freedom in Motion Need for Nature maintains comfort for outdoor and little adventures.
and learning, finding our As our new lifestyles have us reassessing
place in society and the world, our relationship with the natural beauty Curated City
discovering and realising the around us, the freedom to slide seamlessly Living allows
colours in our wings.” between urban and natural settings blurs people to look
The ALIA B X DHAN ILLIANI the boundaries between having fun and neat even
collaboration is available getting through everyday when they are
exclusively on alia-b.com and all tasks. This collection busy working.
of the proceeds from sales will be provides freedom
directed to the National Cancer which allows one to
dress up or down
Society Malaysia and easily while also
Children’s Home of feeling comfortable
Hope. and at ease at the
same time.

2. Need for Nature has employed innovative designs and
Social distancing has seen people functionality so people can look
increasingly spending time outdoors with comfortable and neat even when they are
family members and friends. Utility wear is busy working or doing household chores,
perfect for hiking, camping, and other offering wardrobe items that are free of
outdoor ventures as it is comfortable to excessive embellishments to
move around in and maintains comfort complement comfortable and positive
even when the weather and temperature urban living.
change abruptly. Items that are simple and
Work and exercise from home while functional, as extensions of everyday 4. Rest and Recharge
feeling comfortable and relaxed with apparel, double the fun of life’s little A vast majority are now working and
the Rest and Recharge collection. adventures. exercising at home. UNIQLO has created a
3. Curated City Living full range of apparel to help them remain
People are adopting routines that keep comfortable and relaxed. Bedding has also
them safe and sound while incorporating been enhanced so people can sleep better
all that is great about city living. UNIQLO and recharge to stay healthy while looking
their best.

EDUCATION

6 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021

THE world’s economy is now Ready
digitally-driven and here in for the future
Malaysia, the nation takes
the lead in key areas such as o Unlock the potential of the digital economy
digital adoption, digital with UTAR’s degree programme
entrepreneurship, digital
innovation and digital talent
development to navigate today’s
global digital economy needs.
In the process of making
Malaysia into a digital economic
capital, the nation requires a pool of
human capital with the right skills
and training. Therefore, to ensure
our Malaysians remains
competitive, it is crucial to equip
youths with digital skills so that they
are prepared and pertinent for the increasing role of technology and such as the ability to find and select
future. digital resources in business, information, critical thinking,
In view of this matter, Universiti administration and other fields of teamwork and communication.”
Tunku Abdul Rahman (UTAR) is work as well as socioeconomic He added: “Upon completing the
intensifying its efforts to develop status. programme, students will acquire a
the necessary human capital that comprehensive range of analytical,
will redefine the nation’s digital UTAR FICT Dean Assoc Prof Ts problem-solving, professional skills
economy by launching a new Dr Liew Soung Yue explained: and knowledge in application
degree programme, named “UTAR’s Bachelor of Information programming, cybersecurity,
Bachelor of Information Systems Systems (Honours) Digital database development and
(Honours) Digital Economy Economy Technology is a three- applications, e-commerce, Training Dr Choo Peng Yin said: “It for students and staff to explore
Technology, beginning in the year programme that aims to equip enterprise systems, business is essential for university-industry their strengths in areas, namely
October Trimester. students with digital competencies systems, web development, collaboration in this day and age in Internet of Things (IoT), Data
Parked under UTAR’s Faculty of such as basic programming or data financial technology and so on.” order to keep abreast of the latest Science, Cybersecurity and
Information and Communication analysis and visualisation skills, When asked about the developments and trends. Artificial Intelligence.
Technology (FICT), the newly which are essential to thrive in programme’s uniqueness, FICT On top of that, our students will
launched degree programme has today’s job market; and transferable Deputy Dean for Student “As one of the Premier Digital also be able to hone their
been developed in response to the skills, applicable in various Development and Industrial Tech Universities (PDTU), this new innovation, leadership,
professional and social contexts, programme is indeed an initiative communication, collaboration and
by UTAR to work with FICT’s
industry partners to develop entrepreneurial skills.”
industry-relevant syllabus and Among the selected career
materials for our digital technology options after graduation:
students. 0 Business Intelligence Specialist
0 Business System Administrator
“UTAR continues to expand its 0 Data/Business Analyst
effort to collaborate with the 0 Digital Entrepreneur
industry because we want to 0 Functional Consultant
develop our students’ 0 IT Business Development
computational thinking which 0 Consultant/Manager
allows them to explore the 0 IT Customer Support
fundamental concepts of computer 0 IT Project Executive/Manager
science and digital making.” 0 System Development Engineer
0 Web Platform Developer
He added: “The programme also
includes an industrial attachment For more information, go to
for the students, as well as www.utar.edu.my or call 05-468
attachment and mutual visits by 8888 (Kampar Campus), 03- 9086
staff members for research or
curriculum development in the 0288 (Sungai Long Campus).
companies.

This would serve as a platform

EDUCATION

7theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021

DURING the recent An enduring spirit “To be successful, the rider must
International Federation have knowledge of pace and the
for Equestrian Sport (FEI_ o MSU student and Malaysian equestrian Nur Qasrina Armani Zakaria efficient and safe use of the horse.
Endurance Championship is able to balance her studies with her sporting achievements Being able to skilfully balance
for Young and Junior Riders in training and technique helps an
Ermelo, the Netherlands, Malaysia Nur Qasrina athlete focus on winning.”
reached the podium for the first time, taking part in Balance is key for Nur Qasrina,
clinching the silver medal in its fifth the World who is currently studying for her
time participating in the competition. Endurance Bachelor in Marketing with
Championship Psychology (Hons) at the
All credit goes to the national Junior & Young Management and Science University
equestrian team comprising Nur Riders 2021 (MSU) Faculty of Business
Qasrina Amani Zakaria, Muhammad qualifying round Management and Professional
Yusuf Luqman, Muhammad Faris in Torgnon, Italy. Student (FBMP). She has her sights
Haikal Hassan Sa’ari, and Anfal set on a future career in event
Insyirah Abu Talib and An Nur management.
Muhammad Imran Eirfan Anuwar. Blending technical vocational
education and training (TVET) with
For 20-year-old Nur Qasrina, the traditional academic curricula, MSU
achievement marks the culmination enhances competencies with
of an interest in edurance riding that industry internship, community and
began eight years ago hen she fell for creative entrepreneurship, as well as
the agility displayed by players on global exposure; empowering MSU
horseback at the Royal Selangor Polo graduates with the well-roundedness
Club (RSPC) in Ampang. desired and sought after by
employers. The Graduate
Three years later in 2016, she took Employability Skills (GEmS) and
part in her first competition: SEA’s Personal Enrichment Competencies
first qualifying round in the 40km (PEC) programme at MSU serves to
category, held at the Paya Indah improve the students’ soft skills.
Wetlands in Putrajaya. In all, as an applied, enterprise,
holistic and international university,
She rode an Arab mixed breed by MSU offers foundation,
the name of Commander, and undergraduate, postgraduate and
together, they made the Endurance flexible programs through an entry
Malaysia team for the 2017 Kuala system that facilitates admission of
Lumpur SEA Games. students from all walks of life, where
it aims to TRANSFORM LIVES and
She counts being in the same younger brother Muhammad Yusuf numerous international events, and to test the athlete’s ability to safely ENRICH FUTURES.
squad as the Sultan of Terengganu, Lukman Zakaria, who is also a is currently ranked 714th in the world manage the stamina and fitness of the For a full range and information
who won gold at the 2017 Kuala captain for national equestrian in the FEI Endurance Open Riders horse over a course in a competition on courses offered at FBMP or other
Lumpur SEA Games, as a sparkling team.” World Ranking. against the track, distance, climate, faculty’s and centre, call 03-5521 6868
moment in her sporting career. terrain and clock,” she said. or visit www.msu.edu.my.
She has represented Malaysia at “Endurance riding is a competition
As the budding young athlete
explained: “I’m indebted to my
parents, Zakaria Abd Rahman and
Suzanna Musakal, for their faith and
endless support in me and my

EDUCATION

8 theSun LYFE ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021

Final call for 2021
studies at HELP Uni
o Intake for HELP’s diploma and degree programmes is still open for 2021

GENERALLY, HELP offers five
programmes that enable
SPM and O-Level students to
complete a bachelor’s degree
programme in business via a fast-
track route at both HELP University
and HELP Academy.
These are the Diploma in Business,
Diploma in IT, Diploma in Business
Management, Diploma in Accounting
and the Diploma in Communication.
Where normally it would take four
years, SPM/O-level leavers can now
obtain a bachelor’s degree in business
in three-and-a-half years, with
substantial benefits.
Apart from savings in fees and
living expenses, graduates are able to
enter the job market sooner and have
a head-start in gaining experience to
improve their career and promotion
prospects.
The Diploma in Business at HELP
University (HU) offered by the Faculty
of Business, Economics and
Accounting (FBEA) prepares students
to enter into the second year of
business-related degree programmes.
The curriculum provides a strong
background for degree specialisation
in accounting, finance, economics,
entrepreneurship, business
psychology, business analytics,
marketing, human resource
management, international business,
management, hospitality and tourism
management. HELP is the only institution in receive an additional qualification:
Other factors that make the Malaysia to have this exclusive The Advanced Diploma in
Diploma in Business programme a arrangement in recognition of the Management and Leadership from
highly attractive proposition is that its high quality and standard of the the Chartered Management Institute
graduates enjoy the flexibility to business programmes offered at (CMI), the UK’s chartered body for
progress into a business degree HELP. management and leadership.
programme at HU or some world’s Students with the DOMS Diploma
top-ranking universities such as the Apart from UQ, the credits earned are able to complete the UoD degree
University of Queensland, University in the FBEA programmes can be in three and a half years instead of the
Leeds and University of Liverpool, just transferred to other top-ranking usual four.
to name a few. universities in the world such as the Besides acquiring an
Besides, Diploma in Business University of Leeds, the University of internationally recognised UK degree,
students who progress into a Bachelor Liverpool, the Australian National they also enjoy a subsidised 10-day
of Business programme is eligible for University (ANU), and the University study trip to the UoD campus in
a subsidised study trip to Australia or of Melbourne to name a few Derby, UK.
China to enhance their study SPM holders with just one credit
experience. Faculty of Computing and Digital can also obtain a UoD degree in four-
The Bachelor of Business Technology provides a thorough and-a-half years: First, they enter the
Accounting (Hons) programme is grounding in fundamental skills as Certificate in Business Management
granted accreditation or maximum well as theoretical understanding. or Certificate in Business Information
exemptions by professional bodies Students learn 4IR subjects like IoT, Systems, then proceed to the Diploma
such as the Association of Chartered Big Data, Software Development, AI, in Business Management, Diploma in
Certified Accountants (ACCA), Machine learning, Cloud Computing Accounting or Diploma in Marketing
Certified Practising Accountant (CPA) and Blockchain with specialisms in before being admitted into Year 2 of a
Australia, and The Institute of Data Engineering, Computer UoD degree programme.
Chartered Accountants in England Networking, Mobile Computing, e- The Faculty of Arts and
and Wales (ICAEW). Business, and Web-Engineering. Communication of HELP University is
Students enrolled in the Bachelor acknowledged as a hub of academic
of Business (Finance) (Hons) It also allows a fast-track to degree excellence and creativity in three
programme will not only graduate programmes in the University of majors it offers: Media Studies,
with a HU’s certificate, but also with Queensland, Beijing Jiaotong Marketing Communication and
an internationally recognised University, University of Technology Public Relations.
Bloomberg Market Concepts Sydney and the Eastern Institute of Its Diploma in Communication
Certificate issued by Bloomberg Technology New Zealand. provides a strong foundation for
Finance L.P., a well-known Financial students to enter any one of the
Software company that delivers Other fast-track programmes are degree majors.
business and markets news, data, offered by the Department of The teaching is supported by a
analysis, and video to the world. Management Studies (DOMS), HELP mini film studio, video editing suite
This programme is also affiliated Academy: The Diploma in Business and a graphic design lab.
with the Chartered Financial Analyst Management and the Diploma in The Dip Com permits entry into
(CFA) Institute. Accounting, Diploma in Marketing Year 2 of the BCom, thus enabling
Furthermore, graduates of this which stream into three 3+0 degree SPM students to graduate in four
programme are equipped with a solid programmes offered in collaboration years.
grounding in CFA’s Candidate Body of with the University of Derby (UoD), Modules taught in Dip Com
Knowledge and position them well to UK: the BA (Hons) Accounting and include multimedia design,
sit for the CFA examinations. Finance, BA (Hons) Business entrepreneurship, data analytics,
HELP’s Bachelor of Business Management and the BA (Hons) creative media production,
students are able to complete the final Business Management (International advertising and digital marketing.
year of their bachelor degree at the Business). In line with MOHE’s recent
University of Queensland (UQ), one of announcement on the opening of
the top eight universities in Australia The University of Derby is ranked campus from Oct 15, 2021, face-to-
under the exclusive 2+1 credit transfer among the top 30 in the UK by the face classes are available for selected
arrangement. Guardian University Guide 2020 and October intake’s programmes.
among the top 10 for Business,
Management, Marketing and
Accounting and Finance by the same
guide.

Upon graduation, UoD students

9theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021
SPEAK UP

Driving investments with green bonds

COMMENT The strategies “outlined under Theme 3 will both, holding “golden shares”. The government xgovernment. In turn, the revenue derived can be
by Jason Loh complement the strategies under Theme 1: raises funds by intermediating between the recycled back into repaying Bank Negara or the
Resetting the Economy and Theme 2: Security, investors (Bank Negara, green investment bank) green investment bank.
THE 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) Inclusivity and Well-being”. and the service providers (private sector and
represents an ambitious and holistic social enterprises). Or otherwise providing for the initial costs for
commitment (so far) to set in place the The Introduction for Chapter 8 states that “[i]n other GIB/GB projects.
structural conditions for green economy, the Twelfth Plan, green growth will be bolstered This is similar to the “loanable funds” theory
and accelerate its growth as an integrated to ensure sustainability and resilience. This will in mainstream economic textbooks with regard Our GIB/GB can be a template in its own right
component that is fundamental for the nation’s be undertaken by implementing a clean, green to banks playing the conventional role in or further support in the development of a wider
economic and sustainable development. and resilient development agenda through the financial intermediation (of depositors’ funds green bond market as benchmarked by the
whole-of-nation approach … These efforts will be and borrowers), except that the theory is not Asean Green Bond Standards, Asean Social Bond
Take Chapter 7: “Enhancing Socio-economic supported by public and private investments and wholly accurate and rather misplaced. Standards and Asean Sustainability Bond
Development in Sabah and Sarawak”, for appropriate green financing facilities” (p. 8-2). Standards – of which the Securities Commission
instance. Under the section on “Leveraging If “indirectly” (multilateral), government- (SC) is a player and contributor. Other methods
Regional Economic Corridors for Integrated In an EMIR Research article, “The 12th linked companies (GLC) and the companies can be (re)configured in designing GIB/GB.
Socio-economic Development”, the 12MP is Malaysia Plan and new ways of raising funding listed on Bursa Malaysia (which has its own
committed to ensuring that “[s]pecial fiscal and sources” (Sept 30), we highlighted two particular robust green and sustainable development Examples include peer-to-peer lending and
non-fiscal incentive schemes to attract financing methods – under the public-private agenda as embodied in its Sustainability funding societies – with the government again as
investment [originating] from BIMP-EAGA partnership (PPP) framework – namely, tax Reporting Guide, and the drive to be carbon- the intermediary and which can pay a higher
[Brunei-Indonesia-Malaysia-Philippines – East increment financing (TIF) and social impact neutral by 2022, and achieving net zero emissions interest rate and mobilised as a form of retail
Asean Growth Area] … will be explored, bonds (SIB). by 2050 across its entire operations) can provide public bonds (i.e. investment vehicle for
particularly schemes that promote green growth funding as (private sector or corporate) investors members of the public to augment their personal
and green infrastructure” (p. 7-20). Although originally intended to apply to social – again with the government playing the role savings or retirement returns) – analogous to the
and socio-economic policies such as reducing of intermediary. Sukuk Prihatin launched by former prime
At the same time, under the “Enhancing recidivism (reoffending) of released convicts by minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin.
Liveability through Implementation of Green providing mentoring, training and employment We should utilise our GLC to the maximum or
City Action Plan” section (also in relation to programmes, SIB are flexible in their design optimum in this regard. Special purpose vehicles Not least, our EPF (Employees Provident
Sabah and Sarawak), “… key cities and towns will and objectives. (SPV) or consortiums, e.g. involving GLC with Fund) can also be a lead investor for GIB/GB.
be identified for greenhouse gas emission (other) listed companies can also be formed as an
inventory and climate resilience assessment The use and deployment of SIB as a funding alternative/option. In the SC’s Capital Market Masterplan 3 in
(p. 7-23). source for the green and sustainable growth relation to “Mobilising Capital to Sustainable and
agenda should, therefore, be explored. As such, In the instance of “direct” payments, the Responsible Businesses”, green financing in
Crucially, “[a] green financing mechanism SIB, which was first pioneered in the UK (Social public sector will raise and intermediate the Malaysia is already largely funded through bank
will be put in place and innovative incentive Financing Ltd), can just as well be designated funds by issuing GIB/GB to Bank Negara or the loans, bonds/sukuk, including those issued
schemes will be introduced to promote as green impact bonds (GIB) or just green green investment bank. Here, the interest rate will under its Sustainability and Responsible
investment in green infrastructure, including bonds (GB). be very low, i.e. below market rate. In turn, the Investment Sukuk Framework and the Asean
energy, transport and housing”. payment will then earn interest (at Bank Negara Green Bond Standards, and venture capital
Basically, SIB have three parties or or green investment bank) and recycled back into (p. 73).
Strategy B6 of Chapter 7 speaks of promoting stakeholders to the scheme. These are the state the account(s) meant for (purchasing) GIB/GB.
green growth through a functioning and efficient (public sector), the (private sector) investor, and Otherwise, the government can simply borrow at The GIB/GB as proposed here – for financing
green market and accelerating green initiatives the (private sector) provider. Initial costs can be low interest rate from the green investment bank. the green projects and programmes under the
by supporting the circular economy. borne by the public sector “directly” (bilateral) or 12MP – is intended for complementing and
“indirectly” (multilateral). As for “indirect” payments, the process under supplementing the state’s role and function in
Again, the 12MP is committed to ensuring and “direct” payments can be extended to the GLC driving the green agenda as enabler and
providing that “[e]conomic instruments, And it is where the private sector (profit and and/or the listed companies, which means that co-investor.
environmentally motivated subsidies and the not-for-profit, i.e. social enterprises) drive the now the public sector can issue GIB/GB to Bank
existing green financing incentives [are] design and delivery of the intended public Negara or green investment bank to pay the GLC Perhaps for the mid-term review of the 12MP,
leveraged to support businesses in greening their projects. Full payment will only be made once the and/or the listed companies. the implementation of GIB/GB can either be
activities”. key performance indicators (KPI) – mutually explored (if initiated sooner) or considered for
agreed by all the parties or stakeholders – are met. If the KPI are met, then final payments can, deployment.
Chapter 8: “Advancing Green Growth for again, be made either directly or indirectly. The
Sustainability and Resilience” as part of Theme 3 If directly (bilateral), funds could come from KPI can range from the installation of green and In the final analysis, GIB/GB are consistent
(Advancing Sustainability) is the centrepiece of the government “borrowing” from or rather, to be renewable energy mechanisms for smart cities’ with the 12MP’s “whole of nation” approach in
the green economy agenda under the 12MP. precise, inter-mediating the investment funds transport and communications network to river intensifying “collaborative efforts and ensuring
from Bank Negara, or what would be a green rehabilitation projects, etc. complementarity of actions taken by
In turn, Theme 3 is conceptually driven by investment bank, which could be modelled after stakeholders in addressing environment-related
game changer VIII: “Embracing the Circular the UK’s own (again as the first of its kind in Indirectly, final payment can also take the issues” (p. 8-11).
Economy” and game changer IX: “Accelerating the world – and now known as the Green form of share/equity ownership – of the service
Adoption of Integrated Water Resources” Investment Group). provider entities. A dedicated GLC can be Jason Loh Seong Wei is Head of Social, Law &
(among others). formed, which can take part in future Human Rights at EMIR Research, an independent
Our green investment bank would be wholly share/equity schemes where earnings can then
owned by Bank Negara – with either the Finance be rechannelled back as revenue to the think tank focused on strategic policy
Ministry or Environment and Water Ministry, or recommendations based on rigorous research.

Comments: [email protected]

Address financial toxicity for cancer patients

COMMENT experienced by cancer patients after their continue working while receiving treatments. 3. Financial navigation programme
and NbirymYaelka-CBhhionog-PKaotnhgy cancer diagnosis, where loss of household Some may even opt out of lifesaving Various agencies, including patient support
income led to hardship among the cancer- groups and religious bodies, do provide
THAT cancer is a costly disease is well known stricken households. treatments as they are simply unable to cope financial assistance to eligible cancer patients.
to many. The term “financial toxicity” was with the loss of household income. While some However, patients often do not know where
coined to describe the adverse financial impact Given the above, we propose several social welfare schemes and health insurance they can obtain financial help despite the
of cancer-related costs on the well-being of recommendations: policies do include daily income hospital existence of these programmes.
patients and their families. Besides direct costs 1. Ensure affordability of supportive medical allowances, these are limited in their period of
stemming from treatment- and healthcare- items coverage (i.e. only when patients are Thus, investing in a financial navigation
related expenses, financial toxicity also Besides the costs of cancer treatments, many hospitalised and not when they are programme to connect patients to financial
includes the indirect costs of cancer due to the patients also incur additional expenses for recuperating at home), as well as their reach resources should be prioritised as it represents
loss of wages, productivity, savings or supportive items. For instance, women with (only certain patients are eligible). a low-hanging fruit to reduce the financial
household assets. breast cancer who had a mastectomy will burden faced by cancer patients.
require breast prothesis and special bras, while We, therefore propose that at least six
Our findings from the Asean Costs in colorectal cancer patients may be dependent months of medical leave is made available to all Financial navigators can aid cancer-stricken
Oncology (Action) study among more than on stoma/colostomy bags. These supportive employees who have been diagnosed with households in budgeting and financial
1,000 Malaysian households revealed that 50% items are not cheap and not covered under cancer in Malaysia. Temporary work disability planning for their cancer care, assist in
had experienced financial catastrophe (making health insurance plans. benefits through the Social Security required paperwork for financial assistance,
out-of-pocket payments for cancer-related care Organisation (Socso) should also be extended and most importantly, connect eligible
that exceeded 30% of annual household In addition, some patients may require to cancer patients throughout their treatment patients to existing financial resources.
income) within a year after a cancer diagnosis. these items long term, which when added up and recuperation period as a form of income
can be financially burdensome. The relevant protection. This temporary disablement Many cancer-stricken households in
Alarmingly, one in every three cancer- government ministries should ensure that benefit should also be made available to those Malaysia have been, and will continue, to
stricken households became medically these essential items remain affordable and who are self-employed or working in the struggle to cope with the financial impact of
impoverished (annual household income accessible, especially for the hardcore poor and informal sector via a voluntary social insurance their cancer diagnosis.
dipped below poverty line after subtracting those in the B40 groups. scheme.
out-of-pocket cancer-related expenses). The financial strain may have been
Meanwhile, medical insurance should also The limited employment protection policies exacerbated by the current Covid-19
Interviews and discussions with cancer cover these items, which are often medically for cancer survivors in the country often pandemic, that has left many households
patients further revealed major unmet needed to support patient’s recovery, and to present major issues towards successfully without a source of stable income.
financial needs related to inadequate health ensure their well-being. returning to work, whereby cancer survivors
insurance coverage and reimbursement 2. Employment protection policies often face a lack of workplace While some interventions are in place to
policies, unaffordable supportive medical care, Cancer treatment often takes at least a few accommodations, such as time off work to address the financial impact of cancer in the
high cost of household help/childcare, months to complete. During this period, attend their hospital follow-ups, and workplace country, there is an urgent need to improve
expensive dietary supplements and financially patients will have to take time off work to, not discrimination and stigma, including and expand these strategies to holistically
burdensome transport costs to attend hospital only undergo treatment, but also to recuperate discriminatory hiring practices. protect the financial well-being of cancer
appointments. from side effects, which can be debilitating. patients and their households.
However, paid medical leave are often Besides introducing legislation to prevent
The financial burden of cancer was further insufficient, forcing patients to take prolonged workplace discrimination, employers can be Yek-Ching Kong is a research associate, and
exacerbated by employment issues unpaid leave to complete their treatment or encouraged to hire and retain people with Nirmala Bhoo-Pathy is a public health medicine
cancer through hiring incentives and tax
benefits for every employee with cancer who is specialist in cancer control and cancer policy,
employed. and associate professor of epidemiology in
Faculty of Medicine, University of Malaya.
Comments: [email protected]

S E C U R I T I E S S D N. B H D. SunBIZ TUESDAY
OCTOBER 12, 2021
197201001092 (12738-U)
Editorial Tel: 03-7784 6688
A Participating Organisation of Bursa Malaysia Securities Berhad Fax: 03-7785 2624/5

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% RM m RM m RM m

47.6 Institutions 1765.9 1920.6 -154.7

37.7 Retail 1473.8 1450.5 23.3

14.7 Foreign 633.4 502.0 131.4 0.46 20.30
SCI S&P/ASX200
100.0 3873.1 3873.1 0.0 6.92 0.68 487.24 3,591.71 449.26 CLOSED CLOSED
KLCI STI HANG SENG NIKKEI 7,299.79
Preliminary stats (excluding trade amendments). For final data, please refer to www.bursamalaysia.com 1,570.82 3,113.49 25,325.09 28,498.20 TSEC KOSPI
Source: Bursa Malaysia

KL MARKET SUMMARY Brighter days ahead for
October 11, 2021 tourism, retail sectors

INDICES 11,572.28 CHANGE +70.52
FBMEMAS
FBMKLCI 1,570.82 +6.92
CONSUMER PRODUCTS 612.94 +1.44
INDUSTRIAL PRODUCTS 210.77 +1.31
CONSTRUCTION 166.82 +2.33
FINANCIAL SERVICES 15,353.46 +140.90
ENERGY 842.26 +51.20
TELECOMMUNICATIONS 678.37 +2.43 o Lifting of travel curbs will boost economic activities to perform self-testing before travelling.
HEALTH CARE 2,493.83 -20.74 and corporate earnings, says CGS-CIMB With the reopening, fully vaccinated
TRANSPORTATION 928.33 +4.48
PROPERTY 736.53 +8.86 individuals will be allowed to travel overseas
PLANTATION 7,043.41 +78.38 without applying for My Travel Pass and
FBMSHA 12,686.29 +46.60 those returning have to perform swab tests
FBMACE 7,206.71 +66.29 PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s decision to lift “On the whole, we maintain our view three days prior to the return and another
TECHNOLOGY 96.65 +0.24 interstate travel restrictions and overseas that recovery stocks are likely to gain swab test upon arriving in Malaysia. A 14-
travel for fully vaccinated Malaysians will interest in Q4 and the market could re-rate day home quarantine is also required for
TURNOVER VALUE augur well for the tourism and retail to our KLCI target of 1,629 points on the Malaysians returning to the country.
6.901 BIL RM3.873 BIL sectors, according to CGS-CIMB. back of expectations of corporate earnings However, Malaysia’s borders are still closed
recovery in Q4’21,” said CGS-CIMB. to foreign tourists.
5 MOST ACTIVES “We are positive on the news as the
October 11, 2021 lifting of the interstate travel ban, which has The research house stated that the Meanwhile, Bank Islam chief economist
been in place since Jan 13, 2021, will help decision to ease restriction does not come Mohd Afzanizam Abdul Rashid said the
STOCK VOL CLSG (sen) +/– (sen) spur economic and business activities,” it as a surprise as the prime minister had country’s tourism industry is set to rake in
KANGER-WB 694,962,000 1.0 -0.5 said in a report yesterday. previously hinted that travel would be major benefits following the government’s
SERBADK 406,664,000 40.5 +4.0 allowed once 90% of the adult population move to allow interstate travel for fully
KNM 216,107,200 23.0 +0.5 Subsequently, the research house were fully vaccinated, which Malaysia vaccinated Malaysians, Bernama reported.
BORNOIL 197,648,800 3.0 UNCH expects the government to ease achieved on Sunday.
KANGER 194,076,400 6.5 +0.5 international border restrictions over the He said growth in domestic tourism
next few months. “Furthermore, the timing of the expenditure will be better next year
5 TOP GAINERS relaxation of the interstate travel ban is also compared with 2021.
October 11, 2021 It opined that the reopening of interstate broadly in line with the national recovery
travel will spur tourism, which will benefit plan and our expectations.” “Domestic tourism spending fell to
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM airlines, and airport, hotel, casino RM40.4 billion last year from RM103.2
GENETEC 362,400 41.80 1.16 operators, REITs (from improvement in Yesterday, new Covid-19 cases stood at billion in 2019. Hence the situation is set to
HEIM 106,900 23.68 0.68 hotel occupancy and increased footfalls in 6,709, a significant decline from a peak of turn more positive with interstate travel now
NESTLE 100,400 134.50 0.50 malls) and brewers due to the uptick in 24,599 cases registered on Aug 26, 2021. being permitted.
CARLSBG 163,500 22.46 0.40 tourism activities.
HENGYUAN 2,107,600 4.92 0.36 All local tourism activities are permitted “For this year, perhaps in the fourth
In addition, it foresees retail players from yesterday onwards and those who quarter the country would record a much
such as Bonia and 7-Eleven to benefit from wish to cross state lines no longer need to stronger growth compared to the third
the reopening. apply for police permits but are reminded quarter with the lifting of the interstate travel
restrictions.”
5 TOP LOSERS
October 11, 2021 Mohd Afzanizam said the government’s
move is important in terms of sustaining
STOCK VOL CLSG (RM) +/– RM livelihoods and the economy as well as
F&N 82,600 26.96 0.62 public health.
HONGSENG-WA 13,500 2.46 0.50
IHS046000824 200 100.50 0.50 University of Malaya Faculty of
MPI 266,300 43.80 0.40 Economics and Administration senior
THETA 23,442,800 1.80 0.39 lecturer Dr Mohammad Tawfik Yaakub said
interstate movements will help to re-
EXCHANGE RATES OCTOBER 11, 2021 strengthen economic sectors via the cash
flow from buying and selling
Foreign currency Bank sell Bank buy Bank buy Langkawi welcoming the return of tourists last month. All local tourism activities are
permitted from yesterday. – BERNAMAPIX “I foresee the re-emergence of the food
1 US DOLLAR TT/OD TT OD service, retail and hospitality sectors. The
1 AUSTRALIAN DOLLAR 4.2280 4.1030 4.0930 rise of these three sectors will subsequently
1 BRUNEI DOLLAR 3.1150 2.9920 2.9760 trigger the chain for comprehensive
1 CANADIAN DOLLAR 3.1250 3.0330 3.0250 economic empowerment,” he said.
1 EURO 3.3910 3.3010 3.2890
1 NEWZEALAND DOLLAR 4.9020 4.7440 4.7240 Sunway University professor of
1 SINGAPORE DOLLAR 2.9480 2.8400 2.8240 economics Dr Yeah Kim Leng said the lifting
1 STERLING POUND 3.1250 3.0330 3.0250 of interstate travel restrictions was an
1 SWISS FRANC 5.7800 5.5990 5.5790 eagerly awaited move towards a return to
100 UAE DIRHAM 4.5460 4.4410 4.4260 normalcy in the country’s social, business
100 BANGLADESHTAKA 116.4700 110.4400 110.2400 and economic activities.
100 CHINESE RENMINBI 5.0240 4.7150 4.5150
100 HONGKONG DOLLAR 65.7000 63.1000 He added that the small, but no less
100 INDIAN RUPEE 54.9000 52.1800 N/A important, boost to domestic spending will
100 INDONESIAN RUPIAH 5.7200 5.3700 51.9800 strengthen the recovery that has been
100 JAPANESE YEN 0.0308 0.0278 sustained thus far with strong production
100 NEWTAIWAN DOLLAR 3.7670 3.6500 5.1700 activities for exports.
100 PAKISTAN RUPEE 0.0228
100 PHILIPPINE PESO N/A N/A 3.6400 Mosti targets 5,000 startups including 5 unicorns by 2025
100 QATAR RIYAL 2.5200 2.3500
100 SAUDI RIYAL 8.4800 7.9900 N/A KUALA LUMPUR: The Ministry of Science, during the winding-up session of the Yang grown from fifth position in the world to
100THAI BAHT 117.4000 111.4500 2.1500 Technology and Innovation (Mosti) is di-Pertuan Agong’s royal address. become the number one drone remote-
114.0000 108.2200 7.7900 developing a Startup Development sensing service provider, as reported by the
13.0700 11.6000 111.2500 Roadmap with the target of creating 5,000 Dr Adham said home-grown unicorn Drone Service Provider Ranking 2021
108.0200 companies including five unicorns by 2025, company Carsome Malaysia, which Report,” he said.
11.2000 Dewan Negara was told yesterday. received RM14 million in funding from
Mosti through Mavcap Bhd, has also On the recognition of Covid-19
Source: Malayan Banking Berhad/Bernama ‘Unicorn’ is a term to refer to a privately received funding from various venture vaccination certificates between Malaysia
held startup company valued at over US$1 capital agencies like 500 Startups and Gobi and Singapore, Dr Adham said Mosti,
billion (RM4.18 billion). Partners that allows it to penetrate and together with the Ministry of Health, the
expand its network into regional markets Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the National
Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba such as Indonesia, Thailand and Cyber Security Agency, had held technical
said Mosti will also set up a comprehensive Singapore. discussions with Singapore on recognising
platform known as MyStartup by the end of each other’s vaccination certificates.
the year to boost the development of “Malaysia also has a thriving local
startups in Malaysia. company providing drone services, namely He said both countries agreed on July 6
AeroDyne Group Malaysia,” he said. to recognise each other’s vaccination
“This can be achieved through an certificates. However, the relevant policies
ecosystem that connects various agencies Mosti, through its financing agencies, and technologies are still being refined. –
and relevant ministries in aspects such as has invested RM25 million in the company. Bernama
funding, training and guidance,” he said
“With Mosti’s investment, Aerodyne has

Lack of differentiation BRIEFS 11theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021
among banks: Report * SUNBIZ

o Forrester’s Malaysia 2021 index ranks customer said for Malaysian customers, 2021 has been OCBC, CGC CROSS RM2B MARK
experience of seven local multichannel banks, reveals marked by the struggle to contain the Covid- IN WHOLESALE GUARANTEES
effect on customer loyalty 19 pandemic. During this tumultuous year,
feeling confident, happy, and valued mattered PETALING JAYA: Credit Guarantee Corp
PETALING JAYA: Banks in Malaysia provide recommend it to family or friends. In contrast, the most to customers to remain loyal to a Malaysia Bhd (CGC) and OCBC Malaysia
average customer experience with little among customers who felt frustrated with brand. In such an undifferentiated market, have crossed the RM2 billion mark in
differentiation between each brand, their bank, only 10% plan to remain with the the ability to invoke positive emotions will be Wholesale Guarantees (WG) for unsecured
according to Nasdaq-listed research and brand, 17% will spend more with it, and just critical to delivering differentiated small and medium enterprise (SME)
advisory firm Forrester’s 2021 inaugural 14% will recommend it to family or friends. experiences. financing, which came on the heels of
Malaysia Customer Experience Index (CX several new tranches totalling RM610
Index). The report further reveals that all seven “Our research indicates that 80% of million this year alone. The WG effort,
banks fell in the OK category, with all scores Malaysian firms will be implementing or begun in 2014, has now seen a total of
Based on a survey of more than 2,000 falling within a tight range, indicating a lack of expanding their digital transformation by the RM2.05 billion distributed among 8,211
consumers in Malaysia, Forrester’s CX Index differentiation within the industry primarily end of 2021 to provide better experiences. SME accounts. Prior to the latest RM610
benchmarks the CX quality of seven driven by the challenge that the Malaysian This investment is not going to be enough, million WG tranche, OCBC Malaysia had
multichannel banks – AmBank, Bank Rakyat, banks face with building positive emotional however, to differentiate CX. In addition to already disbursed RM1.44 billion in
CIMB Bank, Hong Leong Bank, Maybank, engagement with their customers. investing in digital experiences, businesses unsecured financing through the scheme
Public Bank, and RHB Bank – across three key must connect emotionally and in partnership with CGC to 4,509 SMEs in
dimensions: emotion, effectiveness, and ease Maybank emerged as the leading brand empathetically with their customers. To industries ranging from retail and
of use. and outperformed all other brands in achieve this, CX pros must have a disciplined wholesale to manufacturing. A Wholesale
customer retention with 41% of customers approach to envisioning, designing, and Guarantee (WG) aims to encourage the
According to Forrester’s CX Index planning to stay with the bank. Across the delivering a consistently high-quality participation of a financial institution by
methodology, how an experience makes three key dimensions of CX quality – ease, customer experience.” providing capital relief in accordance with
customers feel, through a collection of either effectiveness, and emotion – customers rated Basel II while, at the same time, allowing
positive or negative feelings, has a bigger Maybank the most effective and easiest to The report highlights the effect that CX has them to obtain additional security for their
influence on their loyalty to a brand than work with. The bank also received positive on customer loyalty and the factors that drive unsecured or partially-secured SME
effectiveness or ease. For example, among emotional feedback from 52% of its CX quality to deliver better experiences to financing/loans.
customers in Malaysia who felt valued by their customers, just below Bank Rakyat’s 53% their customers. Even a minor improvement
bank, 41% plan to remain a customer, 61% mark in that category. to a brand’s customer experience quality can TECHNA-X SECURES KENYA
plan to spend more with it, and 69% will add revenue by reducing customer churn and WILDLIFE SERVICE DEAL
Forrester principal analyst Tom Mouhsian increasing share of wallet. Additionally,
superior CX leads to reduced service costs PETALING JAYA: Techna-X Bhd via its
and lowers the cost of customer acquisition wholly owned unit Touchpoint
through word of mouth. International Sdn Bhd (TPI) has secured a
five-year exclusive technology partnership
JAKS unfazed by coal price fluctuation agreement with Kenya’s Pesapass Ltd to
license TPI’s Revenue Management System
PETALING JAYA: JAKS Resources Bhd Under the MoU, the parties will collaborate development blueprint also encouraged (RMS) for Kenya Wildlife Service (KWS) and
yesterday assured that the recent fluctuations to explore potential opportunities to develop renewable energy. Against this backdrop, he all of its 65 national parks and reserves. The
in coal prices will not impact the group’s profit solar power and hydro power plants in Sabah. said JAKS and its collaboration with Qhazanah RMS developed for KWS will be known as
generated from JAKS Hai Duong Power Plant Currently, the discussion in relation to the Sabah is at an opportune position to develop the Safaripay Platform (Safaripay), and will
in Vietnam as coal prices are passed through MoU is still ongoing. and implement projects in the area of solar be implemented across all of its managed
to the off taker Vietnam Electricity. power and hydropower plants in Sabah. parks. TPI will own all intellectual property
JAKS CEO Andy Ang Lam Poah recognised rights in respect of the Safaripay and in
“The coal supplied to the power plant is that the two Borneo states stand to benefit For the 12MP, the CEO highlighted that a consideration of the licence for use by
entirely sourced locally via the coal supply from the 12MP on the back of the various significant portion of the development Pesapass, TPI will be entitled to a
arrangement signed with Vietnam National initiatives planned aimed at improving the expenditure allocation of RM400 billion will be percentage of the total net revenue
Coal-Mineral Industries Group, commonly states’ socioeconomic development to bridge channelled towards the enhancement of transacted over the platform.
known as Vinacomin to ensure a stable supply the development gap between East Malaysia infrastructure and basic facilities in Sabah and
of coal for 25 years. In light of this, JAKS is not and the Peninsular. Sarawak. JADE MARVEL IN JV TO SET UP
exposed to the risk on the global coal price SEAFOOD PROCESSING PLANT
fluctuations,” JAKS said in a statement. “Demand for electricity in Sabah continues Overall, he believes the development
to grow and the key issue is the lack of off-grid blueprint demonstrates potential business PETALING JAYA: Jade Marvel Group Bhd
Meanwhile, JAKS indicated that the 12th connectivity to meet the growing demand. opportunities for the group to expand its (JMG) has entered into a memorandum of
Malaysia Plan (12MP) presented ample The 12MP has highlighted the strategies to footprint in East Malaysia and hence it understanding (MoU) with YHL Foods Sdn
opportunities for it to penetrate into the Sabah improve the electricity supply chain through remains optimistic for its future outlook. Bhd (YHLF) for a joint venture (JV) business
market particularly following the signing of a the development of a new power plant and the of setting up an integrated frozen seafood
memorandum of understanding (MoU) upgrade of the Sabah East-West grid “Given these, JAKS has a great prospect in processing facility with cold storage facilities
between its wholly owned subsidiary JAKS transmission line to fulfill the increasing replenishing the group’s construction order to be located at Bio Desaru, Kota Tinggi,
Solar Power Sdn Bhd and Qhazanah Sabah demand of electricity.” book, particularly in building water treatment Johor. JMG intends to hold a 60% stake in
Sdn Bhd. plants and sewage treatment, in addition to the JV company while YHLF will hold the
In addition, Ang pointed out that the constructing highways.” remaining 40%. The MoU allows the parties
to negotiate exclusively during the term
Solarvest launches startup programme to fuel green, fintech innnovation thereof and sets out the understanding and
intention in respect of the JV. In addition, it
█ BY JUNE MOH than when they have grown as a commercial grow. Some government agencies and allows the company to leverage on the
[email protected] players. Solarvest is not going to transform into ministries show interest to participate in this expertise and experience of YHLF (via
PETALING JAYA: Clean energy specialist a fintech or full technology company. Instead, programme and we are working on possible director Low Yuan Heng) and enable the
Solarvest Holdings Bhd has allocated RM1 we would like to adopt or use technology such matching grants to add into it. company to explore new business
million for its Solarvest Innovation Lab 2021 (SIL as blockchain to grow our core business, the opportunities in integrated processing and
2021) startup programme to spur innovation energy business, further. “We believe start-ups can play an important production of frozen seafood.
and entrepreneurship developments in Malaysia. role in the advancement of, not just the RE and
“For example, peer-to-peer energy energy fintech industries but the economy as a whole. FOREIGN NET BUYING
The SIL 2021 launched yesterday focuses on trading, it rides on blockchain technology to run They are usually the ones that come up with AT RM293.36M LAST WEEK
startup companies specialising in renewable the energy trade so this is one of the technolgies game-changing ideas, however, the lack of
energy (RE), green technology, and financial Solarvest is looking at to add value to the financial resources and business knowledge PETALING JAYA: Foreign investors turned
technology (fintech). The company will consider company,“ he told reporters during the virtual typically are barriers to them from making the net buyers last week after a week of
investing in the businesses of potential press conference yesterday. next leap. outflow previously, with net inflow
graduates of the programme. amounting to RM293.36 million. Foreign
He said the company would increased its “Through SIL 2021, we are confident in our investors were net buyers for majority of
Solarvest group CEO Davis Chong Chun capital expensiture to diversify the business and ability as a mentor as well as an investor to last week except on Monday and Tuesday.
Shiong said the SIL 2021 is part of the possibly small mergers and acquisitions. bridge the gap between great ideas and Largest foreign inflow was recorded on
company’s corporate social responsibility marketable executions,“ he said. Wednesday with the largest outflow on
programme and strategy to diversify its Solarvest is partnering with the likes of Monday to the tune of RM135.62 million
business. Malaysian Technology Development Corp, Successful new ventures will receive a seed and -RM83.94 million respectively. Retailers
Telekom Malaysia Bhd, Malaysia Global fund amounting to RM10,000 to prove a were net sellers for majority of the week
“We are not looking into acquiring big Innovation and Creativity Centre, OCBC Bank concept within six months. SIL 2021 will also be except on Tuesday and Friday. Largest net
players in these industries. We do see young (Malaysia) Bhd, Inti International University and providing, among others, special business selling by the retailers was recorded on
entrepreneurs and startup communities in Colleges, Junior Chamber International Malaysia, workshops, business coaching, and physical Wednesday and largest net buying was on
Malaysia have great ideas in fintech, innovative JCI Creative Young Entrepreneurs Award, and workplaces. Once an idea has been proven Tuesday to the tune of -RM38.71 million
technology that we could commercialise and others to accelerate the nation’s green agenda viable, the candidate is eligible to participate in and RM23.88 million respectively.
make it our core business. and digital revolution through the search for a subsequent pitch to potentially receive an
bright and innovative ideas from budding accelerator fund of RM100,000 in exchange for a UK’S DOUBLE ELEVEN EXPANDS
“(Providing) seed fund and accelerator fund startups. certain percentage of ownership in the IN MALAYSIA, PLANS KL OFFICE
will be a good start for us to identify them rather company.
“The SIL 2021 funds will increase as partners PETALING JAYA: British video games
development studio Double Eleven is
expanding its Malaysian base in Kuala
Lumpur and will be investing £1 million
(RM5.68 million) in a new 12,500 sq ft office
in KL. Double Eleven opened its Malaysian
studio in Kuala Lumpur in Jan 21, 2020.
Currently with 25 staff members, the
Malaysian base quickly outgrew the initial
1,000 sq ft co-working space. Double
Eleven has now secured a 12,500 sq ft
space in Mid Valley Mega Mall Towers, to
be filled with over 110 employees over the
next two to three years.

12 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021 FOLLOW ON INSTAGRAM SCAN
SUNBIZ ME
@thesundaily

China property bonds dive BRIEFS STILL NO DECISION
ON WHETHER IMF
CHIEF KEEPS HER JOB
amid further signs of stress
WASHINGTON: The International
Monetary Fund (IMF) said on
Sunday it still had not decided
whether its embattled chief would
keep her job, with the lack of
clarity over Kristalina Georgieva’s
future threatening to overshadow
highest ever premium to buy or hold 'junk'-rated the body’s fall meetings this
o Evergrande debt holders await coupon payment, Chinese debt. week. An investigation by a law
Modern Land seeks pushback of US$250m issue’s firm has concluded that the
deadline and Sinic says it’s likely to defaut next week There is now a whopping 1,200 basis point Bulgarian managing director
difference between the bank’s closely-followed manipulated data in favor of
SHANGHAI/LONDON: Chinese property firms' resources to make its remaining bond payments JACI China high yield index and a similar index China while in a senior role at the
bonds were hit with another wrecking ball on this year. It has one at the start of next week, of investment grade AA-rated local Chinese World Bank. The board said in a
yesterday as Evergrande looked set to miss its although that bond was already down 75%. market bonds, known as “onshore” bonds. statement published late Sunday
third round of bond payments in as many weeks that it made “further significant
and rivals Modern Land and Sinic became the Modern Land's April 2023 bond with a coupon “Evergrande’s contagion risk is now progress today in its assessment
of 9.8% plunged more than 25% to 32.25 cents on spreading across other issuers and sectors,” with a view to very soon
JPMorgan’s analysts said. concluding its consideration of
the matter”. – AFP
Another London based analyst who asked not
latest scrambling to delay deadlines. to be named said: “Slowly and gradually we are
seeing the rest of the Chinese property sector fall
the day, according to financial data provider apart”.
High-yield Chinese bond markets were being Duration Finance, while the company's shares Fantasia Group China Co, whose controlling THAILAND: INVESTMENT
routed once again as fears about fast-spreading have lost a third of their value over the last month. shareholder is Fantasia Holdings, said yesterday APPLICATIONS UP 140%
contagion in the US$5 trillion (RM20.9 trillion) Kaisa Group, which was the first Chinese it would adjust the trading mechanism of its IN JANUARY-SEPTEMBER
sector, which drives a sizable chunk of the Chinese property developer to default back in 2015, also Shanghai-traded bonds following credit
economy, continued to savage sentiment. saw some of its bonds slump to well under half downgrades by China Chengxin International BANGKOK: Thailand's overall
their face value . R&F Properties and Greenland Credit Rating Co. investment applications from
Weary investors had been holding out little Holdings, which both have prestige projects in January to September jumped
hope that Evergrande would suddenly stump up global cities like London, New York and Sydney, Fantasia had appointed advisers on Friday 140% from a year earlier to 521
yesterday's near US$150 million of coupon were also widely sold. after it shocked markets by missing a bond billion baht (RM64.3 billion),
payments, but the fact bondholders said they payment earlier in the week. It saw its bonds dive already exceeding those of the
hadn't received anything this time either just “It’s a disastrous day,” said Clarence Tam, from almost 100 cents on the dollar to just 20 whole of last year, the Board of
bolstered expectations for a full-scale default. fixed income portfolio manager at Avenue Asset cents, as just a couple of weeks earlier it had said Investment said yesterday. The
Once China's largest developer, the firm has Management in Hong Kong, highlighting how its liquidity was fine. combined foreign direct
more than US$300 billion in liabilities that are even some supposedly safer “investment grade” Harbin, the capital of northeastern investment (FDI) project pledges
now at risk. firms had now seen 20% wiped off their bonds. Heilongjiang province, has become one of the more than tripled to 372 billion
Other signs of stress included smaller “We think it’s driven by global fund outflow .... first cities in China to announce measures to baht in the first nine months of
support property developers and their projects, this year, from 116.4 billion baht a
developer Modern Land asking investors to push fundamentally, we are worried the mortgage which have been shaken by the Evergrande crisis. year earlier. Japan, the United
back by three months a US$250 million bond management onshore hits the developers’ cash States and China remained the
payment due on Oct 25 in part “to avoid any flow hard,” he added, referring to concerns people Trading in shares of Evergrande, as well as its top three source countries of FDI
potential payment default”. could stop putting deposits down on new homes. Evergrande Property Services Group unit, has applications. Last year, combined
been halted since Oct 4 pending a major deal domestic and FDI pledges
Sinic Holdings said it too was likely to default Analysts at JPMorgan also highlighted how announcement. – Reuters dropped 30% to 481 billion baht,
next week as it didn't have enough financial international investors were now demanding the

with FDI applications were down
Syngenta’s US$10b IPO among 54% to 213 billion baht as firms
Saudi Aramco asks those suspended by Shanghai bourse were put off by the pandemic. –
banks to arrange Reuters
US$12-14b BEIJING: The Shanghai Stock Exchange has put the companies submitted needed to be updated.
gas pipeline loan the brakes on scores of upcoming initial public Syngenta declined to comment but a person BRITISH STEEL SECTOR
offerings (IPOs), including Syngenta's planned LOBBY GROUP WARNS
DUBAI: Saudi Aramco has asked banks to US$10 billion (RM41.8 billion) flotation, slated to familiar with the matter said yesterday that the OF IMPENDING CRISIS
arrange a loan expected to be in the be the world's largest this year, in a move it blamed Chinese-owned agrochemical company filed the
US$12 billion-US$14 billion (RM50.2 on outdated financial data. updated documents on Oct 8. LONDON: The British steel
billion-RM58.5 billion) range that it plans industry's lobby group warned
to offer to buyers of its gas pipeline Though it's not unusual for Chinese regulators The exchange was now likely having to work yesterday of an impending crisis
network, sources said, as the oil giant to seek updated financial information from IPO through a backlog of documents before updating due to soaring wholesale energy
advances plans to raise funds from asset its website, people familiar with the situation said. prices which could force plants
into expensive shutdowns, stoke
emissions and sow chaos
candidates at the start of each quarter, the move – The 57 companies were looking to raise more through supply chains. A
sales. affecting over US$21 billion in targeted fundraising than 138 billion yuan (RM89.5 billion) in total, shortage of natural gas in Europe
Aramco could raise at least US$17 – has drawn market attention amid Beijing's tighter according to Reuters calculations. had sent prices for electricity and
scrutiny of Chinese tech firms. gas soaring, triggering sharp rises
billion from the sale of a significant Syngenta's application to list on Shanghai's in the prices paid by people
minority stake in its gas pipelines, sources It also follows laptop maker Lenovo Group's STAR Market was accepted at the start of July.. heating their homes or for major
have previously told Reuters. The stake withdrawal on Friday of its application for a US$1.5 heavy industrial plants smelting
would be offered with a loan financing billion listing on Shanghai's STAR market, days Financial reports contained in a company's IPO steel. “These extraordinary
package already in place, worth about after it had been accepted. It said on Sunday it had prospectus are valid up to six months, according to electricity prices are leading to
80% of the price. done so because of the possibility of the validity of China's securities regulator. Syngenta's application smaller or wiped-out profits and
financial information in its prospectus lapsing featured financial information up to March-end, thus to less reinvestment,” UK
Banks that financed a US$12.4 billion during the application's vetting. meaning it was outdated after Sept 30. Steel, which lobbies on behalf of
acquisition of the company’s oil pipelines the British steel industry, said in a
earlier this year received a request for The Shanghai bourse said in disclosures that it The Switzerland-based seeds and crop briefing document. – Reuters
proposals from Aramco last week, said had suspended the review of 57 IPO applications, protection giant was bought in 2017 for US$43
three sources familiar with the matter. including Syngenta's, because financial materials billion by ChemChina, which was folded into
That deal, which included all of Sinochem Holdings Corp this year. – Reuters

Aramco’s existing and future stabilised Qatar says it is powerless to cool red hot energy markets
crude pipelines, was backed by US$10.5
billion financing from a large group of
banks including Citi, HSBC and
JPMorgan. DOHA/LONDON: Qatar, the world's record highs.
Aramco did not immediately largest seller of liquefied natural gas “We are maxed out, as far as we
respond to a request for comment on (LNG), told consumers it was have given all our customers their
the new financing for gas pipelines. It is powerless to cool energy prices due quantities,” said Qatar energy
working with JPMorgan and Goldman because it has allocated all its minister Saad al-Kaabi. “I am
Sachs on the gas pipeline deal, sources output and believes the high prices unhappy about gas prices being
have said. are destructive for demand. high.”
Reuters reported in August that The rebound in economic “The lesson is more long-term
companies that have been in talks for activity after the easing of deals. Even if I can benefit from
Aramco’s gas pipeline assets include coronavirus lockdowns has laid short-term spikes like this, I don’t
Global Infrastructure Partners, Brookfield, bare a shortage of natural gas like it because it is destructive to
Singapore sovereign wealth fund GIC, stocks and other fuel supplies, demand, it hurts my customer and
European gas infrastructure owner and causing blackouts in some my customer needs to be healthy
operator SNAM, as well as China’s Silk countries. To keep factories open LNG prices have surged this year to record highs. – REUTERSPIX for me to be healthy,“ he said.
Road, Chinese state-backed investment and homes heated, industry Kaabi is also chief executive of
fund CNIC Corp, South Korea’s sovereign executives and governments are by more than US$2 (RM8.36) a US West Texas Intermediate crude the state energy company and was
wealth fund Korean Investment Corp and having to pay more for energy and barrel yesterday, with analysts rose US$1.71, or 2.2%, to US$81.06 speaking after a press conference to
NH Investment & Securities. revert to coal and oil, the most predicting that prices will stay high. for its highest since late 2014. announce that the company was
Potential buyers are expected to polluting fossil fuels. Brent crude was up US$1.45, or LNG prices, which sank to record changing its name from Qatar
submit bids at the end of October, said As some generators switched to 1.8%, at US$83.84 a barrel by 1336 lows at the height of pandemic Petroleum to Qatar Energy to reflect
one of the sources. – Reuters burning oil, crude futures jumped GMT, its highest since October 2018. lockdowns, have surged this year to a broader energy strategy. – Reuters

13theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021
* SPORTS

322 Notices 322 Notices █ GEORGE SESSIONS Great Fury “Was I worried at any point?
Former champ Lewis hails pedigree No. Of course it gets rough and you
LENNOX LEWIS hailed the of heavyweight division have to dig deep, change gears and
pedigree of the get going.”
heavyweight division after Few gave Wilder any chance of champion hit back to put Fury on
Tyson Fury knocked out reversing the result that saw him the canvas twice in the fourth but Fury’s win extended his
Deontay Wilder to win a classic in lose his title 20 months ago, when the Mancunian survived and took unbeaten record in the
Las Vegas on Sunday. he was left bloodied and broken control before referee Russell professional ranks to 32 fights and
following a savage beating from Mora brought it to a close in the old rival David Price posed the
The 33-year-old defended his Fury, but the American was new 11th after the Alabaman was question of who could stop the
WBC title for the first time in a fight and improved under trainer Malik knocked down for a third time. world heavyweight champion.
which saw both men sent to the Scott.
canvas on multiple occasions at “I am very proud, super proud,” Price told BBC Breakfast: “I am
the T-Mobile Arena. The fight only happened due to Fury’s trainer SugarHill Steward trying to think what it will actually
a United States arbitrator, which told BBC Radio 5 Live. take for someone to beat Tyson
It occurred two weeks after put the prospect of an all-British because he has been down on the
Oleksandr Usyk stunned Anthony showdown between Fury and “An extraordinary fight, a very floor multiple times throughout
Joshua in London to claim the IBF Joshua on hold, but a memorable historic fight for both men. For his career, but the man just gets
WBA and WBO belts, and the last contest occurred with five Deontay Wilder to show his back up and finds a way to win. He
undisputed champion of the knockdowns produced. toughness, courage and has a massive fighting heart.
division talked up the quality of everything. And for Tyson Fury
the heavyweight boxing scene. While Wilder was the first to be being the big dog and coming out “He is still undefeated and I just
put down in the third, the former on top. can’t see how anyone is going to
“#FuryWilder3 was a crackin’ beat him because he has that
(sic) fight and puts the definitive knack of finding a way to win when
stamp on this trilogy,” Lewis said it matters most.
on Twitter.
“I think less and less people are
“The story of the heavyweight going to doubt him and we are
division right now is pedigree. Big looking at a great.” – The
up to Tyson Fury on a great win.” Independent

Dhoni leads Super Kings to BRIEFS

Indian Premier League final England not strongest
for Ashes: Atherton

322 Notices IN THE HIGH COURT OF MS Dhoni (centre) fist bumps Delhi Capitals’ Ravichandran Ashwin after the match. ENGLAND won’t be taking their
MALAYA AT SHAH ALAM strongest test team to Australia for the
IN THE HIGH COURT OF COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) CHENNAI SUPER KINGS breezed into the Chennai’s catching in the outfield was five-match Ashes series, but the hosts are
MALAYA AT PULAU PINANG final of this year’s Indian Premier League sharp though and Faf du Plessis took a a less than threatening side themselves
COMPANIES (WINDING-UP) PETITION NO: (IPL) after skipper Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s blinder near the boundary to cut shot apart from the pace bowlers, says former
NO: PA-28NCC-93-09/2021 BA-28NCC-464-10/2021 brisk cameo secured their thrilling four- Shaw’s knock of 60. England former captain Michael Atherton.
In the matter of Section 465 (1)(e) In the matter of Section 466(1)(A) of the wicket victory against Delhi Capitals in England on Sunday named their best
and Section 466 of the Companies Companies Act 2016; yesterday’s qualifier in Dubai. Pant added 83 runs with Shimron available squad, with all-rounders Ben
Act, 2016. Hetmyer (37), and remained unbeaten on Stokes and Sam Curran missing out,
And Chasing 173 for victory, three-time 51 off 35 balls. although paceman Stuart Broad was
And In the matter of INNOVEDGE champions Chennai needed 13 off the last included despite a calf injury. Fast bowler
In the matter of Ladang Ternakan CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD. (Company over from Tom Curran and Dhoni smacked Chennai lost du Plessis early in their Jofra Archer was unavailable after he
Sungai Patani Sdn. Bhd. Registration No. 200701009484) three boundaries to seal the win with two reply but Ruturaj Gaikwad (70) and Robin suffered a recurrence of a stress fracture
[Company No.: 199601042723 balls to spare. Uthappa (63) kept them firmly on course in his elbow. “It’s not the strongest squad
(415076-H] BETWEEN with their century-plus partnership. England have taken to Australia – nor is it
RONG MAH (KL) SDN. BHD. Delhi can still make Friday’s final if they the weakest,” Atherton wrote in his
Between (Company No.: 199401026095) can beat the winner of the overnight Iyer dragged Delhi back into the contest column for The Times. “Australia might be
SOON SOON OILMILLS SDN. BHD. eliminator between Royal Challengers with his electric fielding – taking two so described as well, strong as they are in
[Company No.: 197801000418 ...PETITIONER Bangalore and Kolkata Knight Riders in the brilliant catches in the deep and then firing bowling but less so in batting. Any
(37441-T)] AND second qualifier tomorrow. in a throw which resulted in Ambati doubts over England’s prospects are
INNOVEDGE CONSTRUCTION SDN. BHD. Rayudu’s run out. tempered to some extent by doubts in
… Petitioner (Company No.: 200701009484) Brisk fifties by opener Prithvi Shaw and Australia’s camp, where much rests on the
And captain Rishabh Pant powered Delhi to a Former India captain Dhoni played a form of Steve Smith and Marnus
LADANG TERNAKAN SUNGAI PATANI ... RESPONDENT strong 172-5 after being put into bat at the crucial 18 not out off six balls to see his side Labuschagne, and the fitness of the main
SDN. BHD. ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION Dubai International Cricket Stadium. home. three fast bowlers: Josh Hazlewood, Pat
[Company No.: 199601042723 NOTICE is hereby given that a petition Cummins and Mitchell Starc.”
(415076-H)] for winding-up of the abovenamed Chennai bowler Josh Hazlewood “Obviously it is very disappointing, and I
company by the High Court was, on dismissed Shikhar Dhawan and Shreyas can’t have enough words to describe how Hamilton admits pit stop error
… Respondent the 1 October 2021, presented by Rong Iyer cheaply but Delhi could not be denied we are feeling,” a dejected Pant said.
ADVERTISEMENT OF PETITION Mah (KL) Sdn. Bhd., having its address a rollicking start. LEWIS HAMILTON was left frustrated
NOTICE is hereby given that a at 19, Jalan SS 4C/5, 47301 Petaling “We are going to rectify our mistakes, during the Turkish Grand Prix after
Petition for the Winding Up of the Jaya, Selangor Darul Ehsan. And that Delhi dropped Shaw on 42 but learn from it and hopefully, we can move Mercedes made a strategy call which saw
abovenamed Company by the High the said petition is directed to be heard on and play the final.” – Reuters the seven-time world champion drop
Court of Malaya Pulau Pinang was on before the Court sitting at Shah Alam at from third to fifth in the latter moments
the 27th September 2021 presented 9:00 o’clock in the forenoon, on the 10th of the race, but admitted in “hindsight” he
by SOON SOON OILMILLS SDN. day of January 2022; and any creditor would’ve made a different decision.
BHD. [Company No.: 197801000418 or contributory of the said company Hamilton felt the tyres he started on
(37441-T)] and that the said Petition desiring to support or oppose the could get him to the end of the race, with
is directed to be heard before the making of an order on the said petition his engineer Peter Bonnington asking the
Court sitting at Pulau Pinang at 9.00 may appear at the time of hearing by Mercedes driver to pit. “I’m going to stay
a.m., on the 26th November 2021 himself or his counsel for that purpose; out,” was the response from Hamilton,
and any Creditor or contributory of and a copy of the petition will be before realising he was losing grip
the said Company desiring to support furnished to any creditor or contributory quickly. Eventually, in third place with
or oppose the making of an Order of the said company requiring the same seven laps remaining, Hamilton dove into
on the said Petition may appear at by the undersigned on payment of the the pits for a new set of intermediates,
the time of hearing by himself or his regulated charge for the same. remerging in fifth place. “I was losing
counsel for that purpose; and a copy The Petitioner’s address is at 19, Jalan performance to the guys behind but I
of the Petition will be furnished to SS 4C/5, 47301 Petaling Jaya, Selangor think probably in hindsight I should have
any creditor or contributory of the Darul Ehsan. either stayed out or come in much
said Company requiring the same by The Petitioner’s solicitors is WONG LU earlier… It felt good to be in third and I
the undersigned on payment of the PEEN & TUNKU ALINA, 21-6, Block B, thought if I could just hold on to this, it’s a
regulated charge for the same. The Boulevard, Mid Valley City, Lingkaran great result from 11th. Fifth is worse, but
The Petitioner’s address is at 2448, Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala Lumpur. it could be worse.”
Lorong Perusahaan 2, Prai Industrial
Estate, 13600 Prai, Pulau Pinang signed Max wary of next race after retaking F1 lead
The Petitioner’s Solicitor is Messrs. …..…........................................
JB Lim & Associates of Straits WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA
Chambers, No. 1, Lintang Selat, NOTE:
Taman Selat, 12000 Butterworth. Any person who intends to appear on the
hearing of the said Petition must serve
………….t.t.………… on or send by post to the abovenamed
M/S JB Lim & Associates solicitors, notice in writing of his
Solicitors for the Petitioner intention so to do. The notice must state
NOTE – Any person who intends to the name and address of the person, or,
appear on the hearing of the said if a firm, the name and address of the
Petition must serve on or send by firm, and must be signed by the person
post to the abovenamed Messrs. JB or firm, or his or their solicitor (if any)
Lim & Associates, notice in writing and must be served, or, if posted, must
of his intention so to do. The Notice be sent by post in sufficient time to
must state the name and address reach the abovenamed not later than
of the firm, and must be signed by twelve o’clock noon of the 7th day of
the person or firm, or his or their January 2022 (the day before the day
Solicitors (if any) and must be appointed for the hearing of the Petition).
served, or if posted, must be sent by This Advertisement of Petition is taken
post in sufficient time to reach the out by WONG LU PEEN & TUNKU ALINA,
abovenamed not later than twelve 21-6, Block B, The Boulevard, Mid Valley
(12) o’clock noon of the 25th day of City, Lingkaran Syed Putra, 59200 Kuala
November, 2021 Lumpur, solicitors for the petitioner
[Ref.: JBL/08/020/2021/FRD//YAS] abovenamed whose address is at 19,
Jalan SS 4C5, 47301 Petaling Jaya,
Selangor Darul Ehsan
[Petitioner’s solicitors’ telephone no.:
03-29388833 Facsimile : 03-29388811]
[File reference : L3 15747]

CALL TO PLACE CLASSIFIED ADS MAX VERSTAPPEN overtook Lewis Hamilton and win a record eighth championship. When asked what the hardest part of the
in the F1 Drivers’ Championship on Sunday But the Dutch driver has played down his race was, the Dutchman joked that simply
MS. SHOBA with a second-placed finish in the Turkish staying in consciousness was the most difficult
Grand Prix – although he conceded it will be title chances by admitting Mercedes could part.
T 03 7784 8888 tough for him to maintain his lead in two steal a march at the US Grand Prix in a
F 03 7784 4424 weeks’ time at the United States Grand Prix. fortnight’s time. He continued: “To stay awake! No, I mean it
was all about managing the tyres, so you were
Verstappen was soundly beaten by “It was not easy today,”Verstappen said. “I never really pushing. I’m happy to be on the
Hamilton’s Mercedes partner Valtteri Bottas in mean the track was very greasy and we had to podium.
adverse conditions in Istanbul. manage the tyres all race, so we couldn’t really
push. “I think it’s been close the whole year and
But with Hamilton only finishing fifth after I’m sure in Austin (for the US Grand Prix) it will
suffering a 10-place grid penalty, Verstappen “It seemed like Valtteri (Bottas) had more be another close battle with Mercedes.
has stolen a march on him in the race for the pace and could look after the tyres better as
title. well, so I’m happy to finish in second place.” “We just have to keep pushing, keep trying
to improve and we’ll see where we are at the
With just six races left, there is a lot of The treacherous conditions made it difficult end – but it’s been a great season so far.” –
pressure on Hamilton to make up the disparity for the drivers, something which Verstappen Express Newspapers
alluded to.

14 theSUN ON TUESDAY | OCTOBER 12, 2021 SHORTS
SPORTS ‘Ironman Im’bags
second PGA win
Murray rolls back the years
Briton serves underarm to beat Alcaraz, Zverev up next at Indian Wells SOUTH KOREA’S Im Sung-jae said
winning the Shriners Children’s Open in
ANDY MURRAY rallied to win an inter- that have seen his ranking fall to 121 in the “So I had to fight extremely hard, coming Las Vegas yesterday was a “gift from
generational battle against teenager world, raced to an early 3-0 lead before Alcaraz back from a set down. above” as he marked his 100th start in
Carlos Alcaraz yesterday, reaching the – who reached the quarterfinals of the US Open the PGA Tour with his second title, after
third round at the Indian Wells last month – found his range and regained a “I felt like in the second set he played maybe claiming his maiden crown on his 50th
Masters along with Stefanos Tsitsipas and break. better. First set I felt like I had more of the start last year.
Alexander Zverev. opportunities but didn’t get it so yeah, happy
After saving a set point, the Spaniard broke with the way I fought.” The 23-year-old, nicknamed “Ironman
Murray, who has touted Alcaraz as a future Murray for a second time to take the opening Im”, carded a final round of nine-under 62
world No. 1, defeated the talented 18-year-old set. Murray can expect a stern test in the third to seal a four-shot win over American
5-7, 6-3, 6-2 to set up a meeting with third- round from Zverev, winner of titles in Madrid Matthew Wolff as he went 24-under for
seeded German Zverev, a 6-4, 3-6, 6-1 winner In the second set, the former world number and Cincinnati this season. the tournament at TPC Summerlin.
over American Jenson Brooksby. one deployed a rare underarm serve on game
point for a 2-1 lead, and this time held on. Zverev fired 28 winners against Brooksby but Im’s maiden triumph on the Tour was
Greece’s Tsitsipas, the second seed, his 35 unforced errors were 14 more than his at The Honda Classic in March 2020 and
advanced in the combined WTA and ATP hard Britain’s Murray, 34, who accepted a wild energetic opponent delivered. he said his latest win was “very
court event with a 6-2, 6-4 victory over Spain’s card into the draw, had just eight unforced meaningful.”
Pedro Martinez. errors in the second set to Alcaraz’s 14. “Especially in the second set I didn’t see the
ball well on (one) side of the court because of “I know I won my first win on my 50th
“Well it’s been a great night for me. The first He broke 30th-seeded Alcaraz to open the the sun,” Zverev said. start and to win my second PGA Tour win
time playing a night session here on this court,” third set then saved four break points in the next on my 100th start, that in itself is a pretty
Tsitsipas, making only his third appearance in game to maintain the advantage. “It wasn’t an easy match, but I’m happy to be amazing stat,” said Im, the second
the ATP Masters 1000 tournament in the through, I’m happy to be in the third round and youngest winner of the event after 1996
Southern California desert, said. A second service break gave Murray a playing Andy now.” champion Tiger Woods.
comfortable cushion, and it was the teen
Tsitsipas fired 23 winners, including 12 in the requiring late treatment on an injured foot Zverev noted that Murray was the only one of “It was hard coming, but I think today
second set, and made only six unforced errors before the oft-injured Murray sealed the victory the “big four” of men’s tennis – Roger Federer, how everything went, I think it was a gift
in the match. after three hours and four minutes. Rafael Nadal, Novak Djokovic and Murray – that from above. I played so well and I’m glad
he has yet to beat. I got the win. It was tough to win the first
“I’m pretty happy with the way I fought and “He’s obviously got so much potential, so one and I thought the second would be
found a way to clinch that victory at the end,” much firepower and these conditions it’s not “I hope I can change that,” Zverev said. “I harder.
Tsitsipas said. easy to finish points off quickly, but he’s able to think it’s incredible how well he’s moving and
because he has so much pace from the back of incredible how well he’s playing. I think he’s “I just kept my patience and tried to
Murray, still battling to return from injuries the court,” Murray said. very motivated so I hope I can show my best keep my focus throughout the period.”
tennis.” – AFP
Lefty wins Furyk & Friends title
Svitolina made to sweat as Swiatek strolls into 4th round
PHIL MICKELSON won the Constellation
FOURTH seed Elina Svitolina survived a third- A year to the day since she won her maiden close topic for me, so I want to, for the first time, Furyk & Friends event yesterday for his
round onslaught from Romanian Sorana Cirstea major title at the French Open, a dominant do something (in) that direction to help third victory in four events played on
to win 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(3) at Indian Wells yesterday, Swiatek dropped only three of her first serve someone, some people,” Swiatek said. PGA Tour Champions.
while Polish second seed Iga Swiatek eased past points and never faced a break, firing off five aces
Veronika Kudermetova 6-1, 6-0. against Russian Kudermetova, who was unable to Canada’s Leylah Fernandez showed more of Mickelson carded a 4-under 68 in
get a foothold into the match, which lasted 54 the resolve that helped her finish runner-up to Jacksonville, Florida, and finished at 15-
Ukraine’s Svitolina, who won the bronze minutes. Emma Raducanu in the US Open last month as under, two shots better than Miguel
medal at the Tokyo Olympics, saved 12 of the 16 the 19-year-old rallied from a set down to get Angel Jimenez of Spain.
break point opportunities Cirstea set up in the The 20-year-old told reporters after the match past ninth seed Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 5-7, 6-
two-hour-and-32-minute contest, and had to that she planned to donate her third-round prize 3, 6-4. “It was a hard-fought battle. I really
fight back from 4-2 down in money to a nonprofit in honour of World Mental enjoyed it,” Mickelson said. “I’m enjoying
the third set to survive. Health Day. Victoria Azarenka beat Petra Kvitova 7-5, 6-4 playing out here and I need to work on a
in a battle of Grand Slam winners to set up a few things, like that mistake on No. 5, but
“Mental health support, it’s always been like a clash with Aliaksandra Sasnovich. – Reuters/AFP I’m having fun doing it.”

Jin Young Ko of Korea imitates Jimenez, who surged into contention
taking a selfie with the trophy on with a 65 in round three, posted a bogey-
the 18th hole after winning the free 4-under 68 yesterday to finish at 13-
Cognizant Founders Cup at under.
Mountain Ridge Country Club
yesterday in West Caldwell, New “I’ve been playing solid, playing well,”
Jersey. – AFPPIX Jimenez said. “I was close. Then chance
for birdie on 17, that’s the game, you
Red-hot Ko makes history with Founders Cup win know? He’s playing very well.”

JIN YOUNG KO of South Korea wrote her name in Ko said a bogey-free round was her goal her the fifth Korean player to post double-digit Steve Flesch finished third at 10-
the LPGA Tour record book not once but twice yesterday, but she wasn’t necessarily thinking victories. under. Tournament host Jim Furyk (69),
yesterday as she authored a wire-to-wire victory at about the records in play and the names attached Cameron Beckman (68) and South
the Cognizant Founders Cup in West Caldwell, New to them. Masson posted the low round of the day, a Africa’s Ernie Els (71) tied for fourth place
Jersey. spotless 64 with seven birdies, to move into at 9-under.
“I just focus, despite the others like Tiger Woods second.
Ko’s 5-under 66 lifted her to 18-under for a four- or Annika Sorenstam,” Ko said. John Daly posted the day's lowest
shot victory over Germany’s Caroline Masson. It “I can’t tell you how big this is,” Masson said. “It’s score with a 7-under 65, an eventful
was Ko’s 14th straight round in the 60s, tying “I just play by myself… I don’t know what been a little bit rough this summer. Honestly, like round featuring 10 birdies, one bogey
Annika Sorenstam’s LPGA record. happened to me. I don’t know. I just have fun. I’m mentally it was really, really tough stretch, and one double bogey. He finished at 3
just trying to have fun on the course with my probably the toughest in my career. under, in a tie for 31st.
What’s more, Ko went 114 straight holes caddie and the other players.”
without making a bogey or worse until she “So to come back out and have a good week Cabrera Bello clinches
bogeyed No. 17 yesterday. Ko, 26, defended her title at the Founders Cup, last week and feel like I’m getting really close – you Spanish Open
which she won in 2019 at Wildfire Golf Club in know, I know I’m pretty far away from winning this
It’s the longest such streak on record for either Phoenix. The World No. 2 has won three week score-wise, but it was pretty close. Pretty SPAIN’S Rafa Cabrera Bello sank a birdie
the LPGA or PGA Tour, breaking Tiger Woods’ mark tournaments in her last seven starts. amazing. Just got to thank everybody on my team putt on the first playoff hole to seal a
of 110 bogey-free holes. for being there for me.” – Field Level Media dramatic victory over compatriot Adri
It marked Ko’s 10th career win on tour, making Arnaus and win his first tournament in
more than four years at the Spanish
Open yesterday.

Both men were neck and neck for
much of the day and ended at 19-under
for the tournament. Cabrera Bello then
held his nerve after a fine approach shot
on the first playoff hole – the par-four
18th – to make birdie as Arnaus could
only manage par.

“I knew it was going to be a really
hard battle today and I don’t think I need
to say that I didn’t get off to the ideal
start. It was definitely one trophy that
was on my bucket list… It’s very, very
special,” said Cabrera Bello.

“I’ve been believing in myself, I’ve had
amazing support all this week rooting for
me ever since the first minute and I was
just hanging in there, I knew I’d have an
opportunity and I’m glad that luck swung
my way.”

Frenchman Julien Guerrier, India's
Shubhankar Sharma and Scot Grant
Forrest were all two shots back at 17-
under, finishing tied for third.

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TOUCHLINES Sancho will shine: Gareth
England boss confident new Man United signing has qualities to succeed at Old Trafford
ARSENAL are considering a move
for Liverpool and England mid- █ MARK MANN-BRYANS “So you’ve got to pick the right moment to set the linking up with England during the international
fielder Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain. ball off and the right moments to back yourself to break rather than staying at home as he battles with
The 28-year-old spent six years GARETH SOUTHGATE has urged patience maybe take one or two of those players out and I a number of other players to pin down a position in
with the Gunners before moving with Jadon Sancho as the England winger thought he did that exceptionally well a couple of the starting XI.
to Anfield in 2017. continues to find his feet at Manchester times.
BARCELONA vice-president Rafael United. “There’s always a balance with these things,” he
Yuste has played down the chances Sancho moved to Old Trafford from Borussia “It is important that he got the assist because replied when asked if he felt a responsibility to pick
of the Spanish club being in the Dortmund during a summer which also saw him you’ve also got to have that productivity and the Sancho.
market to sign Norway striker Erling racially abused after missing a penalty in England’s right pass or the right cross at the end of those
Braut Haaland, 21, from Borussia shoot-out loss to Italy in the final of Euro 2020. passages of play.” “There are times when it is maybe better for a
Dortmund next summer. player not to be here and to be able to get settled in
BARCELONA may offload France The 21-year-old has struggled to make an impact Southgate confirmed he had taken time out to at a club.
winger Ousmane Dembele if the since joining United, with Three Lions boss speak to Sancho since the squad convened at St
24-year-old does not extend his Southgate admitting his form this season was not George’s Park last week and backed him to show his “I felt at this moment in time for him that he
contract with them and the worthy of an international call-up. form in the coming weeks. would benefit from being with us, and also I don’t
Spanish club could then try to think anybody else in those positions warranted
sign Manchester City and But he included Sancho in his squad to show his “We shouldn’t be surprised that for a young being in ahead of him at this moment in time.
England forward Raheem “belief” in the the forward, who then started the 5-0 player to have such a big change in his life, new
Sterling, 26, as his replacement. World Cup qualifying win over Andorra on Sunday. League, new club, different style of play, different “That competition is there. For all of the players,
ENGLAND captain and forward training regime, back living in Manchester, moving there is competition for places. Marcus (Rashford)
Harry Kane, 28,“lovesTottenham” Albeit against inferior opponents, Sancho house and everything that’s involved in that, that’s a will be back to fitness soon, but that again is good, it
and will lead the club’s“rebuild”, provided two assists in a strong 72-minute showing. lot to take in,” he added. is healthy for our squad, and the reality is we don’t
according to Spurs’transfer chief often have many months when everyone is
Fabio Paratici. “It was not easy for a winger in the game because “So it’s going to need time but he showed a lot of available.
quite often you are receiving the ball with two, the qualities that he has (against Andorra) and I
sometimes three, defenders really close,” Southgate know that will come with the club as well.” “The summer was one of those rare occasions
said. where pretty much everyone was available if not all
Southgate also believes Sancho was better off fully fit.” – The Independent

NEWCASTLE UNITED’S new Argentina’s Lionel Messi (right) Neymar
owners are considering replacing celebrates with teammates after contemplates
manager Steve Bruce with scoring against Uruguay during retirement
Leicester City’s Brendan Rodgers, the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022
Rangers manager Steven Gerrard South American qualification NEYMAR has revealed that the
or ex-Borussia Dortmund boss match at the Monumental 2022 World Cup in Qatar could
Lucien Favre. stadium in Buenos Aires be the last of his playing career.
FORMER RB Leipzig coach Ralf yesterday. – AFPPIX
Rangnick is also being looked at by The forward is still 29 years of
the new Newcastle United hierar- Argentina thrash Uruguay, age and is certainly not past his
chy for the role of sporting director. Brazil lose 100% record best, but the former Barcelona
NEWCASTLE will target four man puts his thoughts down to
Manchester United players when LIONEL MESSI opened the scoring as Uruguay but Muslera made a fine other teams.” the mental aspect rather than
the transfer window reopens in Argentina thumped neighbors double save from Angel Di Maria and Brazil started brightly and any physical ones.
January with France striker Uruguay 3-0 in an entertaining World Messi in the last minute.
Anthony Martial, 25, Cup qualifier yesterday. dominated the opening quarter as “I think Qatar 2022 will be my
Netherlands midfielder Donny The returning Neymar could not Colombia goalkeeper David Ospina last World Cup because I don’t
van de Beek, 24, 27-year-old Goals from Rodrigo De Paul and inspire Brazil to victory as hosts made saves from Neymar and Lucas know if I have the mental
Ivory Coast defender Eric Bailly Lautaro Martinez rounded off a Colombia ended their perfect start to Paqueta. strength to deal with football
and England attacker Jesse successful night for Lionel Scaloni’s the qualification campaign in anymore,” he told DAZN.
Lingard, 28, all said to be on their team in Buenos Aires as they Barraquilla. Colombia grew more adventurous
wishlist. maintained their unbeaten start to the in the second half and Brazil “I will do everything to get
JUVENTUS will use Wales mid- qualification campaign and closed the The Selecao had won their first goalkeeper Alisson Becker saved there in good shape, to win with
fielder Aaron Ramsey, 30, as a gap at the top of the single South nine qualifiers, scoring 22 goals to efforts from Mateus Uribe and Juan my country, to fulfil the dream I
makeweight in their attempt to American table to six points behind lead the table by eight points before Quintero, while Radamel Falcao had have had since I was a child and
bring Manchester United and Brazil, who drew 0-0 with Colombia. kickoff. the ball in the net 20 minutes from I hope I can achieve it.”
France star Paul Pogba, 28, back to time but it was disallowed for a foul
Turin. “We played a great match, I think Coach Tite’s side are still almost on Militao. In a documentary about the
RAMSEY turned down a move to we’re improving a lot,” said Messi. “It certain to qualify for next year’s finals Brazilian forward, called Neymar
Wolves in the summer, but now was a tough match and we had to win in Qatar as they maintain a 13-point It was a good day for the bottom Jr. Dinastia de Reyes , he recalled
plans to leave Juve in January, it. lead over fifth-placed Colombia, with two teams in the group as Bolivia beat his vertebrae injury that
with Newcastle interested. the top four progressing Peru 1-0 and Venezuela defeated brought an end to his 2014
“Uruguay sit back and are automatically. Ecuador 2-1. World Cup.
RESULTS dangerous. Once we scored the first
goal we started to find spaces and “Neymar did well as the team’s In the late match, goals from “It was one of the worst
NATIONS LEAGUE many appeared.” leader,” said Tite, but “he was well English-born Ben Brereton and moments of my career. It ruined
FINAL: Spain 1 (Oyarzabal 64) marshalled” by a Colombian side that Mauricio Isla gave Chile a 2-0 win over my dream of playing in a World
France 2 (Benzema 66, Mbappe 80). It could have been worse for has “more technical qualities than Paraguay. Cup, playing the semifinal, the
THIRD-PLACE PLAYOFF: Italy 2 final… I couldn’t move my feet. I
(Barella 46, Berardi 65-pen) Belgium started to cry uncontrollably,”
1 (De Ketelaere 86). Neymar said.
WORLD CUP QUALIFIERS
SOUTH AMERICA: Bolivia 1 (R. “They took me to the
Vaca 82) Peru 0, Venezuela 2 hospital, they examined me and
(Machis 45+1, Bello 64) Ecuador 1 the doctor told me: ‘I have two
(Valencia 37-pen), Colombia 0 pieces of news, one good and
Brazil 0, Argentina 3 (Messi 38, De one bad. Which one do you
Paul 44, Martinez 62) Uruguay 0, want?’ And I said, give me the
Chile 2 (Brereton 68, Isla 72) bad one.
Paraguay 0.
“He said: ‘You are out of the
World Cup’. Crying, I told him,
‘What is the good news?’To
which he told me: ‘If it had been
two centimetres to the side, you
would not have been able to
walk again’,” he concluded. –
Express Newspapers

CONCACAF: Jamaica 0 Canada 0, Nigeria secure revenge win to top group
Costa Rica 2 El Salvador 1, Panama
1 United States 0, Mexico 3 NIGERIA gained revenge over the in a shock defeat that was their first unmarked at the back post in the beating Benin 1-0 away just three
Honduras 0. Central African Republic yesterday in 39 World Cup qualifiers stretching 29th minute. days after losing to the same team
AFRICA with a 2-0 win while Tunisia moved back to 2004. at home.
Group B: Mauritania 0 Tunisia 0, closer to winning their group and Nigeria have a two-point
Zambia 1 Equatorial Guinea 1. advancing to the last phase of But they won the reverse fixture advantage in Group C over the Cape Simon Msuva cracked home a
Group C: Cape Verde 1 Liberia 0, Africa’s World Cup qualification. in Douala, Cameroon with Leon Verde Islands, who were 1-0 home long-range shot after six minutes to
Central African Republic 0 Nigeria Balogun and Victor Osimhen scoring winners over Liberia in Mindelo advance his country to seven points,
2. Tanzania upset Benin 1-0 away to in the first half. yesterday. ahead of Benin on goals scored.
Group E: Uganda 1 Rwanda 0, take a slim lead in Group J while
Kenya 0 Mali 1. Mali and Uganda both won to keep Balogun made up for the slip For the second time in three The Democratic Republic of
Group J: Madagascar 1 Demo- up their tussle in Group E. that allowed the Central African days, they beat the Liberians with a Congo, who are the group
cratic Republic of Congo 0, Benin 0 Republic to score in the last minute last-gasp winner, this time from favourites, are two points back after
Tanzania 1. Nigeria had lost at home last in Lagos last Thursday. He met a captain Ryan Mendes. losing 1-0 away in Madagascar. –
week to the Central African Republic Moses Simon cross to finish Reuters
Tanzania top Group J after

TUESDAY • OCTOBER 12, 2021 for QUOTE OF THE DAY

Ready I am trying to think what it will
actually take for someone to beat
Tyson because he has been down on the floor
multiple times throughout his career, but the
man just gets back up and finds a way to win.
He has a massive fighting heart.”

Retired British boxer David Price

the world

Benzema sets sights on Qatar 2022 after leading France to Nations League triumph

KARIM BENZEMA waited the other players.” yes,” said Benzema, who has now with no regret. a shame once we scored that opening
more than five years to make Deschamps is clearly counting on scored six goals for France since his “We won against the European goal that France went up the other
his France comeback and Benzema to lead France’s attack at the return, with only Antoine Griezmann champions and were almost even end and scored because that was
now the Real Madrid striker World Cup finals in Qatar next year. matching that tally. with the world champions, so for the when France were at their weakest,”
is in a hurry to win his first major “He is an important player for the players and the team that is all good,“ Luis Enrique said.
trophy with Les Bleus. future. Beyond his obvious talent, he “This title gives me even more the La Roja coach told a news
Benzema helped France clinch the has the character and the mental ambition for the future with this team. conference. “We have to keep that confidence
Nations League with goals in both the strength that are key at the highest Because this team has great potential.” “Every time it will be in the coming months and press
semifinal and in yesterday’s final, but level,” he said after Les more difficult for me to ahead with what we are doing.”
unlike his striking partners Antoine Bleus avoided defeat for France need one victory against make the selection,
Griezmann and Kylian Mbappe, he the seventh time this either Kazakhstan at home or that is good for us. The Spanish players were left
was not in the squad who won the year having The important furious at the decision to allow
2018 World Cup. conceded the away to Finland next month thing is the team Mbappe’s goal to stand, as the referee
Playing his second competition opening goal. to qualify for the World does not deemed that a touch from Spain
after more than five years out of the “I’m very proud Cup finals. change its defender Eric Garcia played the
team following a blackmail scandal, of my work for a Commenting on personality and striker onside despite the France
over which he faces trial later this long time. Coming the defeat and the will to win. forward clearly being in an offside
month, the 33-year-old showed he back to this team mini-tournament as a “Nothing was position.
was in the form of his life. and winning whole, Spain coach missing tonight,
“We are going to enjoy this trophy makes me happy, Luis Enrique said his it was “On the pitch we do not have the
and then go get the World Cup (next side’s performances best point of view as coaches, but I
year),” Benzema said following made it difficult to select think this movement was difficult,”
the starting XI and they Luis Enrique said.
finish the competition
“I do not want to say anything
France’s 2-1 victory over Spain at about it, I am not used to
the San Siro after he netted the talking about referees, I
equaliser with a superb curling concentrate on what I
effort. can control.
While France came under “I concentrate on
pressure against a making the team
possession-obsessed Spain play the best
team, they did not panic way and
and Benzema and accepting
Mbappe’s clinical wins and
finishing made the losses.” –
difference. Reuters
Coach Didier France’s
Deschamps said Kylian
that Benzema’s Mbappe
contribution (left) and Karim
to the team Benzema celebrate
extended with the trophy at
beyond his the end of the
goals. Nations League
“Karim is final against
an essential Spain at the San
player, he’s Siro stadium in
proved it over Milan yesterday.
the last two games,” said – AFPPIX
Deschamps.
“He’s in line with what his
been doing with his club. He’s
extremely fit, way more than he
was before, and he’s more
mature. He’s got this rage to
win that he communicates to

Southgate keen to avoid putting too much pressure on ‘special’ Foden

GARETH SOUTHGATE is excited to see what any pressure on him. Southgate, for “far longer than any of us resilience has been as clear as his ability during
“special player” Phil Foden can achieve at next “We’ve known since 15, 16 what might be expected”, but he has begun firing again since his rise through the ranks, which has seen him
year’s World Cup – but the England manager is returning to action in September. build a medal-laden CV at a young age.
wary of piling too much pressure on the ever- possible and we are seeing that.
improving playmaker. “His evolution at his club has been perfect, “I am not trying to diminish what he’s shown Southgate referred to resilience again when
and what’s possible, but I don’t want to create asked about his group’s response to the racist
Long touted as a future star, the 21-year-old really. For lots of us we were probably waiting for too much for him,” Southgate said after the abuse they received in Hungary last month as
continues to make strides at Manchester City and him to get established in that City team, you match in Andorra. they prepare to host the Eastern European side
put in an outstanding display in the 2-2 draw have to say that Pep (Guardiola) has managed tomorrow.
with Liverpool before the international break. that really well. He is flourishing. “I felt there was a lot ahead of us this summer
and the danger is we create too much which is “We talked about Phil’s individual resilience
Foden took that form on to the international “We know what is possible. It was a big blow too much to live up to. and how resilient the group is and those types of
stage on Saturday, running the show from central for us when he was out of the (Euro 2020) final in experiences bring you together as a group,” the
midfield against minnows Andorra and providing the end. “Let us just enjoy him, he is a special player England boss said ahead of the World Cup
two killer balls to unlock the hosts and kick off a without a doubt. Let him grow into the team. qualifier at Wembley.
5-0 England win. “The fascinating part is what that role might
be and it could be any one of a number, frankly, “We have to try and bed him in at the right “They are reference points as much as
The victory means it surely remains a case of because he’s got the ability to play in many time and get him positionally right for the right anything for us as a performance.
when rather than if Southgate’s undefeated side different positions.” games. But we are delighted to have him.”
qualify for Qatar, where Foden looks set to play a “The way we went into an intimidating
key role for the Three Lions. Southgate said Foden proved against Andorra Foden has clearly rebuilt trust with Southgate atmosphere and controlled the game for long
that “there’s another level” to come, having after being sent home from his maiden senior periods.
Asked if Foden has the potential to star at shown promising flashes during England’s camp with Mason Greenwood for the breaching
next year’s World Cup, the England boss said: summer run to the Euro 2020 final. the bio-secure bubble in Iceland in September “The rest I don’t think the players would want
“Yeah, the only thing I am loathed to do is put 2020. to focus on, I think they would want to get on
The 21-year-old missed the loss to Italy with a with the game.” – The Independent
foot injury that kept him out, according to It was a bump in the road for a player whose

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